Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
09:34
Extraction and Characterization of Surfactants from Atmospheric Aerosols
Published on: April 21, 2017
Surfactants as microbicides and contraceptive agents: a systematic in vitro study
Otilia V Vieira1, Diego O Hartmann, Carla M P Cardoso
1Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. vieira@cnc.cj.uc.pt
Plos One
|August 7, 2008
Summary
Cationic surfactants show potential as vaginal disinfectants against bacteria and fungi, but not for preventing viral infections or unwanted pregnancies. Further toxicity analysis is recommended before pre-clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Virology
Background:
- Surfactants are being investigated for use as microbicides, antivirals, and contraceptives.
- There is a need for effective and accessible agents for protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the microbicidal, antiviral, and contraceptive potential of various surfactant types in vitro.
- To assess the toxicity of surfactants on mammalian cells, human sperm, and various microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of cationic, anionic, zwitterionic, and non-ionic surfactants.
- Evaluation of toxicity in mammalian cells (MDCK), human sperm, and microbes (Candida albicans, E. coli, etc.).
- Assessment of inhibition of adenovirus and lentivirus infections.
Main Results:
- Cationic surfactants (C(n)TAB) demonstrated bactericidal and fungicidal activity at sub-CMC concentrations.
- Bacteria were more susceptible than fungi, which were more susceptible than mammalian cells.
- No surfactants inhibited viral infections or showed spermicidal activity at non-toxic doses.
Conclusions:
- Cationic surfactants may serve as vaginal disinfectants for bacterial and fungal infections.
- Current surfactants lack efficacy against viral infections and do not possess spermicidal activity at safe concentrations.
- Mandatory toxicity analysis of surfactants is crucial before pre-clinical or human studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Surface Active Agents
Surfactants, named for their behavior at interfaces, positively adsorb at the interfaces of two phases, reducing interfacial tension. Their versatility as emulsifiers, detergents, and foaming agents stems from this ability. Surfactants, often termed amphiphiles, share the property of amphipathy, with molecules having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. The hydrophilic part is called the head, and the hydrophobic part, including an elongated alkyl substituent, forms the tail.Surfactants...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:30Micelles
Micelle formation is an intricate process that hinges on the properties of amphiphilic or amphipathic molecules and the conditions of the system in which they are found. Amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, play a critical role in this process.In aqueous environments, these molecules arrange themselves such that their hydrophilic heads are turned towards the water phase, while their hydrophobic tails are oriented away...
01:23Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Dissolution kinetics, an essential aspect of oral drug delivery, is significantly influenced by the drug's particle size. According to the Noyes-Whitney dissolution model, the dissolution rate correlates directly with the drug's surface area. The larger the surface area, the higher the drug's solubility in water, leading to a faster drug dissolution rate. Reducing particle size increases the effective surface area, enhancing the dissolution process. Micronization and nanosizing are employed to...