Gemini histidine based surfactants: Characterization; surface properties and biological activity

Publication date: 1 September 2019Source: Journal of Molecular Liquids, Volume 289Author(s): Aurora Pinazo, Ramon Pons, Marta Bustelo, María Ángeles Manresa, Carmen Morán, Miriam Raluy, Lourdes PérezAbstractNew gemini cationic surfactants bearing imidazolium groups as polar heads and alkyl chains of various lengths were prepared using the amino acid histidine as starting material. These surfactants were found to have very low cmc values and reduced the surface tension of water solutions with high efficiency.Their biological properties, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities, depended on the alkyl chain length. These surfactants are active against a wide range of bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Moreover, these gemini surfactants have good DNA binding capacity. These new gemini surfactants show a great potential in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Molecular Liquids - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research