Synthesis, Surface Activity, Emulsifiability and Bactericidal Performance of Zwitterionic Tetrameric Surfactants

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Surfactants are crucial in various industrial applications due to their ability to reduce surface tension.
• Zwitterionic surfactants offer unique properties owing to their dual charge nature.
• Tetrameric surfactants, with multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, present complex self-assembly behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel zwitterionic tetrameric surfactants (4CnSAZs).
• To investigate the physicochemical properties, including surface activity, adsorption, and aggregation behavior.
• To evaluate their emulsification performance and antibacterial activities.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 4CnSAZs (n=12, 14, 16) using a simple method.
• Structural characterization via FT-IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis.
• Physicochemical property analysis using Wilhelmy plate, fluorescence spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Main Results:

• 4CnSAZs demonstrated high surface activity and spontaneous adsorption/micellization, driven by entropy.
• Aggregate morphology (micelles vs. vesicles) was sensitive to alkyl chain length and temperature.
• Good emulsification performance and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus were observed.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized zwitterionic tetrameric surfactants exhibit unique adsorption and self-assembly behaviors.
• Alkyl chain length significantly influences aggregate structure, enabling control over micelle and vesicle formation.
• These surfactants show promise for diverse industrial applications, including emulsions and antimicrobial formulations.