Amino acid-based surfactants physicochemical properties

The gemini-containing cationic [quaternary ammonium salts, called bis (Quats)], anionic (phosphate, sulfate, carboxylate), amphoteric and nonionic (polyether or sugar), polar groups have been a matter of numerous investigations [59]. Only few studies have been done on the physicochemical and biological properties of amino acid-based gemini surfactants [60-62]. 

Charged colloids in solution are ubiquitous in a wide variety of biological and technical systems. Some examples are proteins made by amino acids, micelles formed by charged surfactants or charged block copolymers, microemulsions formed by water, oil, and charged surfactants, silica particles made by silica oxide, and polystyrene based latex particles. In these systems, the physicochemical properties are to a large degree determined by electrostatic forces. Despite extensive studies of these forces for the last 50 years, the electrostatic interactions in such systems remain a central problem in colloidal science [1,2]. 

Sakamoto, K. (2001) Current market developments and trends in amino acid- and protein-based surfactants, in Protein-Based Surfactants, Synthesis, Physicochemical Properties and Applications (eds I. A. Nnanna and J. Xia), Marcel Dekka, New York, pp. 261-280. 

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