Anionic surfactants disinfection

Cationic surfactants show a high affinity for negatively charged surfaces making them suitable for industrial applications and as components for consumer products where they are used as disinfectants, foam depressants, and first and foremost as textile softeners [23], Due to the possible formation of ion-pair associates they are usually not formulated together with anionic surfactants. 

The quaternary ammonium compounds (qv) are manufactured by the reaction of an alkyl halide with a tertiary amine. The alkyl halide may be short-chain, long-chain, or benzyl. Selection of a long-chain alkyl group yields structures with variable composition and greatly adds to the chemical complexity inherent in this group. Investigation of structure-activity relationships has led to claims for superior efficacy or compatibility, most notedly with anionic surfactants in disinfectant-detergent cleaner systems, of closely related compounds in the family. 

Solubilization has been used for many years in the formulation of phenolic antiseptic and disinfectant solutions. In the case of Cresol and Soap Solution (Lysol) and Chloroxylenol Solution B.P., soap micelles are used to solubilize the phenolic substances. The soap (anionic surfactant) is formed by reaction of potassium hydroxide with a suitable oil such as linseed oil (in Cresol and Soap Solution) or castor oil (in Chloroxylenol Solution). The solubilizing potential of surfactant solutions for hydrophobic species has also been exploited in the design of cholelitholytic solvents for gallstone dissolution with some limited success. 

Similar to the disinfectant dilutable cleaners, disinfectant spray cleaners are intended to both clean and disinfect. Although they are very popular with consumers, they are not used without controversy in microbiological circles [50,51]. The usual disinfectant ingredient used in these cleaners is quats (quaternary ammonium surfactants), which were discussed with the dilutable cleaners. As previously mentioned, these disinfectants are inactivated by anionic surfactants, so these formulas are usually formulated with only nonionic surfactants. 

Quite logically, new columns are developed to meet a real analytical need. Proliferation in the use of surfactants is a case in point Surfactants have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic centers and are widely used in many industries because of their abiUty to reduce surface tension. Anionic surfactants, classified as alkanesul-fonates, alkyl sulfates and alkylbenzenesulfonates, are commonly used in detergents, cleansing agents, cosmetics and hygienic products. Cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds, which are used in cosmetics, disinfectants, foam depressants, and textile softeners. Nonionic surfactants are also present in a... 

Disinfectant formulations based on OPP take the poor water solubility of OPP into consideration. Anionic surfactants and soaps are used preferably to a limited extent (below the critical micellization concentration) non-ionic surfactants may be used, too. The rule that the microbicidal effect of phenolic compounds is dependent on such factors as the pH of the ready-to-use dilution, degree of contamination/germ count, water hardness and dirt content applies to OPP, too. The bactericidal effect of a standard formulations (SF) containing 10% OPP -f25% sec. alkanesulphonate +20% isopropanol +45% demineralized water is documentated in Table 71 by the lethal active concentrations of OPP (mg/1) for various species of bacteria in dependence of pH, on protein loading and on a high germ count (approx. lO germs per ml solution to be disinfected). 

Uses Surfactant for formulating microbicides, disinfectants, fungicides, water treatment mictobicides dewetting agent antistat Features Incompat. with soap and anionic surfactants Regulatory ERA reg. 3377-38... 

Hard surface household cleaners are available in various types. The concentrated products contain about 10% surfactant, often nonionics. The spray-on liquids, already diluted, may only contain 1% surfactant. Powdered hard surface cleaners are more likely to contain anionic surfactants, usually only 1 or 2%. Most household cleaners are made alkaline and usually contain a sequestering agent such as sodium gluconate. A water-soluble solvent is often added. Disinfectants, perfumes, and other components are present. Surfactants are isolated by extracting the dried solids with methanol or methylene chloride (24). 

Consider using anionic and amphoteric surfactants to enhance the performance of antimicrobial agents, since they make the cell wall of microorganisms more permeable to disinfectants. 

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