Classification, Structure, Biomedical Properties

Abstract

Key words: surfactants, hydrophilic group, hydrophobic chain, dimeric (two-centered) surfactants, intrinsic toxicity, spacer Surfactants make it possible for soap to mix with water by lowering the water surface tension. Beyond soaps and detergents, surfactants are used in lubricants, inks, anti-fogging liquids, herbicides, adhesives, emulsifiers and fabric softeners. Surfactants added to cleaning agents, allow the detergent to mix into water, helping cleaning agents remove dirt from the cleaned surface. Without surfactants, soaps wouldn’t mix with the water, making the cleaning process much more difficult. Surfactants are also used as an ingredient in lubricants, such as shaving cream, which make it easier to remove stubble and help limit irritation. Surfactants added to car engine lubricants help keep particles from sticking to engine parts, allowing the parts to move easily and keep a car in proper running order. The uses of Surfactants are far broader than those that have been described above; therefore, having such a large-scale application in the industry and everyday life, in this work we will present the main types of Surfactants, their applications, development prospects and their impact on the human body and the environment. As a result, it is important to note that amino acid-based 2-centered Surfactants are of the most interest and have great development potential among the newest Surfactants. The use of dicenter Surfactants synthesized from amino acids is increasing in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical products, mainly because they are less toxic, environmentally friendly, and actively biodegradable. In general, amino acid-based dicenter Surfactants are promising compounds for biomedical applications and many exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity while being non-cytotoxic.