Amphoteric surfactants pharmaceutical applications

The most recent patent references to amphoteric surfactants for the pharmaceutical industry involve the development of new diagnostic test methods. These include immunochemical assays and improved genetic diagnostic methods. In these applications, the selective use of amphoteric surfactants has been shown to enhance the sensitivity of detection (117-119). 

As mentioned in Chapter 1, there can be thousands of molecules with polar heads and nonpolar tails, usable as surfactants. The applications are also many. Thus, the commercial anionic surfactants, recording about 50% of all surfactant production, are literally used all over the place shampoos, dishwashing detergents and washing powders are some common examples. Cationic surfactants likewise are used in hair-conditioners, fabric softeners, asphalt coating, corrosion inhibitor formulations for metal surfaces etc. The major applications of non-ionic surfactants are in the areas of food and drinks, as also pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Amphoteric /zwitterionic surfactants have only limited applications one area is cosmetics, especially skin care products. 

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