Bio-physicochemical analysis of ethylene oxide-linked diester-functionalized green cationic gemini surfactants

Abstract

A novel series of oxy-diester-functionalized gemini surfactants (C_m-E2O-C_m) was synthesized and the physicochemical parameters were evaluated by surface tension and steady-state fluorescence measurements. Negative values of Gibbs free energy change of adsorption and micellization indicate that adsorption and micellization of C_m-E2O-C_m gemini surfactants are spontaneous. These surfactants have lower Krafft points and thus better solubility. Besides, they exhibit excellent foam and micro-emulsion stability. Interestingly, these geminis show low cytotoxicity, as revealed by HC₅₀ analysis. FT-IR spectra after alkaline treatment confirm their cleavable nature. Moreover, a fascinating feature of these geminis is their considerably high biodegradability. Thus, a comprehensive study of the synthesized gemini surfactants has been carried out that may be significant for potential applications in various fields, more specifically in biomedicine and cosmetics, where efficiency and safety are strictly connected.