Abstract
Amino acid surfactants (AAS), having the general structure α-amino-(N-acyl)-β-alkoxypropionate, were synthesized chemically. Surface activity and antimicrobial properties of the AAS were evaluated. Increases in acyl chain length (i.e., C 10 -C 14 ) resulted in a linear reduction in surface tension (i.e., 43-36 mN.m -1 ), as well as dramatic decreases in critical micelle concentrations (cmc) (i.e., 17.9-0.43 mM). Strong correlations existed between the cmc of AAS and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (mic) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginsa, Aspergillus niger, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sensitivity of the microorganisms to the various AAS followed the order Staphylococcus aureus>A. niger=S. cerevisiae E. coli P. aeruginosa. In comparison with methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, AAS (MN14) showed 2-8, 64, and 4-8 times the activity against Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi, respectively. Surface adsorption and or bifunctional binding to the cell membrane may account for AAS action on microorganisms
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
