Hemolytic action of anionic surfactants of the diacyl lysine type

Amphiphiles induce hemolysis at a given concentration and that would be dependent on their structure. To know this, we have synthesized anionic surfactants derived from lysine and differing in their chain length and we have studied their hemolytic action. The chain length of the surfactants affects their hemolytic behaviour. Surfactants with two chains of 7 or 9 carbons presented biphasic behaviour at a concentration below or above 50 mg/100 ml. However, only the surfactant with two chains of 7 carbons has a protective effect against hypotonic hemolysis. The maximum protection was exerted when the surfactant was added to a 150 mOsmol/L solution. The surfactant is assumed to intercalate into the membrane in an orientated fashion and prevent the hypotonic hemolysis. For this hemolytic behaviour the presence of two chains of 7 carbons seems to be necessary.