Effect of quaternary ammonium surfactants on biomembranes using molecular dynamics simulation.

ABSTRACT: Research conducted both prior to and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals a notable rise in human exposure to cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and personal care items. Moreover, there has been a corresponding increase in the environmental release of these chemicals. Cleaning and disinfecting products often contain quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) with alkyl chains as long as 8-12 carbon atoms. The attachment of quaternary ammonium surfactants to the membrane resulted in the deformation of the bilayer and membrane disruption. Before interactions with cell membranes, these surfactant molecules may form different aggregates depending on their architecture. Interaction of surfactant monomers or clusters with the cell membrane changes the physiochemical properties of the

SUBMITTER: Moosavi SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10634318 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature