The interaction of beta-cyclodextrin with the non-ionic micelle-forming surfactant Triton X-165 (TX-165) has been studied using steady state fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy techniques. Both extrinsic and intrinsic fluorescence have been exploited for the purpose. Phenosafranin (PSF), a cationic phenazinium dye, has been used as the extrinsic probe while fluorescence of TX-165 has served as the intrinsic one. PSF shows discernible interactions with both TX-165 and beta-CD. The experimental results reveal that the extent of interaction of PSF with TX-165 is greater than with beta-CD. However, addition of beta-CD to a micellar solution of TX-165 containing PSF leads to a disruption of the micelles whereby the fluorophore is released from the micellar environment to the bulk aqueous phase. It has been substantiated that an inclusion complex is formed between the non-ionic surfactant and the cyclodextrin. A 1:1 stoichiometry of the TX-165-beta-CD inclusion complex has been proposed. Such a complexation between TX-165 and beta-CD results in an inhibition in the micellization process of TX-165 leading to an enhancement in the apparent CMC value. The inferences are drawn from a series-Of experiments, viz., binding studies, determination of micropolarity, heavy-ion quenching studies and steady state fluorescence anisotropy experiments monitoring both extrinsic and intrinsic fluorescences. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.