title: Biological properties of arginine-based gemini cationic surfactants.
abstract: Biological properties of novel gemini (double-chain/double-head) cationic surfactants, Nalpha,Nomega-bis(Nalpha-acylarginine)alpha,omega-alkylendiamides, so-called bis(Args), are reported. The effect of both the alkyl (10 and 12 carbon atoms) and the spacer chain (from 2-10 methylene groups) of bis(Args) on their antimicrobial activity, acute toxicity on Daphnia magna and Photobacterium phosphoreum, and aerobic biodegradability is studied. These surfactants constitute a novel class of chemicals of low toxicity with excellent surface properties and considerable antimicrobial activity. The aquatic toxicity of these compounds is lower than that of the conventional Monoquats. As regards the biodegradation test, the molecules with a spacer chain < or =6 methylene groups can be considered as ready biodegradable. The increase of hydrophobicity in the bis(Args) is a negative structural parameter for their environmental behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tecnología de Tensioactivos, Instituto de Investigaciones Quimicas y Ambientales de Barcelona-Centro Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain. lpmste@cid.csic.es
authors.forename: Lourdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pérez
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ribosa
authors.forename: Maria Pilar
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Vinardell
authors.forename: Angeles
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manresa
authors.forename: Maria Rosa
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Infante
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000502:physiology; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002412:Cations; D003621:Daphnia; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010776:Photobacterium / Q000187:drug effects; D012995:Solubility; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D001120:Arginine