Micro-structural investigations on oppositely charged mixed surfactant gels with potential dermal applications

Abstract Dicarboxylic amino acid-based surfactants ( N -dodecyl derivatives of -aminomalonate, -aspartate, and -glutamate) in combination with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) form a variety aggregates. Composition concentration-dependent mixtures exhibit liquid crystal, gel, precipitate, clear isotropic phases. Liquid crystalline patterns, formed by surfactant mixtures, were identified polarizing optical microscopy. FE-SEM studies reveal the existence surface morphologies different mixed Phase transition associated weight loss found to depend on composition where thermotropic behaviours revealed through combined differential scanning calorimetry thermogravimetric studies. Systems comprising more than 60 mol% HTAB demonstrate shear-thinning behaviour. Gels cause insignificant toxicity human peripheral lymphocytes irritation bare mouse skin; they do not display symptoms cutaneous irritation, neutrophilic invasion, inflammation (erythema, edema, skin thinning) as evidenced cumulative irritancy index score. also substantial antibacterial effects Staphylococcus aureus , potent causative agent soft tissue infections, suggesting its possible application vehicle for topical dermatological drug delivery.