Microbial membranes, surfactant effects

Surfactant Effects on Microbial Membranes and Proteins. Two major factors in the consideration of surfactant toxicity or inhibition of microbial processes are the disruption of cellular membranes b) interaction with lipid structural components and reaction of the surfactant with the enzymes and other proteins essential to the proper functioning of the bacterial cell (61). The basic structural unit of virtually all biological membranes is the phospholipid bilayer (62, 63). Phospholipids are amphiphilic and resemble the simpler nonbiological molecules of commercially available surfactants (i.e., they contain a strongly hydrophilic head group, whereas two hydrocarbon chains constitute their hydrophobic moieties). Phospholipid molecules form micellar double layers. Biological membranes also contain membrane-associated proteins that may be involved in transport mechanisms across cell membranes. 

Mechanism of action. QACs have surfactant properties and therefore help to solubilize the cell membrane of microbial cells (Merianos, 1991). This leads to cell damage and ultimately cell death. QACs are especially effective when used in combination with other biocides that attaek the cell wall. The surfactant action exhibited by the QAC helps to make the cell wall of microbial cells more aeeessible to other biocides. The QACs facilitate penetration of biocides such as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and THPS and leads to enhanced biocidal activity of these biocides. 

A thermal active non-woven were produced by PEG-treated 100% polypropylene spun bonded-melt blown-spun bonded. The PEG-treated non-woven inhibited bacterial growth. The most probable effects that inhibit microbial growth may be attributable to the surfactant-like properties of the bond PEG, which disrupts cell membranes due to the dual hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics of the PEG. This was reported in Vigo and Leonas s recent work. ... 

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