Abstract
A group of four selected non-ionic surfactants based on carbohydrates, namely octyl d-xyloside (C8X), nonyl d-xyloside (C9X), decyl d-xyloside (C10X) and dodecyl d-xyloside (C12X), have been investigated to accomplish a better understanding of their physico-chemical properties as well as biological activities. The surface-active properties, such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), emulsion and foam stability, the impact of the compounds on cell surface hydrophobicity and cell membrane permeability together with their toxicity on the selected bacterial strains have been determined as well. The studied group of surfactants showed high surface-active properties allowing a decrease in the surface tension to values below 25 mN m−1 for dodecyl d-xyloside at the CMC. The investigated compounds did not have any toxic influence on two Pseudomonas bacterial strains at concentrations below 25 mg L−1. The studied long-chain alkyl xylosides influenced both the cell inner membrane permeability and the cell surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the alkyl chain length, as well as the surfactant concentration, had a significant impact on the modifications of the cell surface properties. The tested non-ionic surfactants exhibited strong surface-active properties accompanied by the significant influence on growth and properties of Pseudomonas bacteria cells.
Highlights
Surfactants of natural origin are gaining ever-growing interest because of their great potential driven by a strong demand for biodegradable products
A group of four selected non-ionic surfactants based on carbohydrates, namely octyl D-xyloside (C8X), nonyl D-xyloside (C9X), decyl D-xyloside (C10X) and dodecyl D-xyloside (C12X), have been investigated to accomplish a better understanding of their physico-chemical properties as well as biological activities
The lowest minimum surface occupied by single surfactant molecule was obtained for C12X (2.69 9 10-19 m2), when the highest value of this parameter was noticed for C10X (4.68 9 10-19 m2). This phenomena could be interpreted that an alkyl chain length increase of two carbon atoms from decyl to dodecyl involves a significant change of molecular position in the interphase
Summary
Surfactants of natural origin are gaining ever-growing interest because of their great potential driven by a strong demand for biodegradable products. Long-chain alkyl glycosides belong to the group of nonionic surfactants These amphiphilic compounds contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the molecule, which allow them to accumulate between fluid phases and reduce the surface and interfacial tensions as well [3]. Besides their excellent surfactant properties, their low toxicity and good biodegradability are important advantages. They can be produced from renewable sources, which makes them environmentally friendly chemicals.
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