The invention encompasses micelle assemblies, compositions having micelle assemblies, and methods for preparing micelle assemblies and compositions thereof. Also, the invention encompasses compounds of the formula: A-X-Y-Z-R.sub.1 wherein A is a carboxy group or is absent; X is a polyol, Y is --C(.dbd.O)--, --C(.dbd.S)--, or is absent; Z is O, S, or NH; and R.sub.1 is a polyether, wherein one or more hydroxy groups of the polyol are acylated with a fatty acid residue, wherein the compounds form micelle assemblies. The invention encompasses methods of encapsulating molecules using the compounds of the invention.