The aggregation behavior of a mixed system consisting of a novel histidine-derived bolaamphiphile 1,12-dihistidine diaminododecane (H2D) and the conventional surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) has been investigated. The microstructure of the H2D/DTAB mixture has been identified by means of negative staining-TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence spectra, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Rich morphologies are observed in the mixed system of H2D and DTAB over a relatively wide proportion range. At C-DTAB/C-H2D < 12: 1, vesicles are formed in the mixed system. At C-DTAB/C-H2D > 12:1. vesicles and tube-like aggregates coexist, and more tube-like aggregates appear with further increase of C-DTAB/C-H2D. The formation mechanisms of the aggregation with various morphologies at different C-DTAB/C-H2D ratios are further deduced. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.