Using density (ρ), sound speed (u), viscosity (η), molecular docking and antimicrobial study analyses, this work examined the intermolecular interactions that occur between Quaternary ammonium salts (QAs) (0.005, 0.010, 0.015 molkg−1) and cationic surfactant CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) in aqueous solutions at 298.15 K to 313.15 K at an interval of 5 K. The Quaternary ammonium salts taken are: Tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB), Tetra propylammonium bromide (TPAB), and Tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). To comprehend and deduce the interactions, apparent molar volumes (Vϕ), apparent molar isentropic value (κS,ϕ), isentropic compressibility (κS), and acoustical parameters (Lf),(RA),(Z) and ([U]) values have been computed using the measured (ρ) and (u) data whereas relative viscosity (ηr) and viscous relaxation time (τ) values have been deduced from viscosity data. These parameters collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural rearrangement of amphiphilic molecules at the interface and the relative contributions of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the surfactant and aqueous solutions of QAs. Additionally, both molecular docking and antimicrobial investigations have also been performed; molecular docking facilitated the examination of interactions between ligands and proteins. Whereas, antimicrobial studies help to evaluate the impact of gram-negative bacteria (S. typhi, P. aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. cereus) on CTAB in the presence of aqueous solutions containing TBAB.
Read full abstract