I7 Quaternary ammonium surfactants are more active against Gram-positive organisms than against Gram-negative bacteria. This difference has been attributed to the presence of cephalin in the cell wall of the Gram-negative bacteria. This paper presents a review of previous irt ciro work reported in the literature. Additionally, as a preliminary step in elucidating the niechanisni behind this difference by studying the molecular interactions between these bactericides and bacterial wall constituents by use of an in cirro film balance approach, a conductometric study on cephalin and certain alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides was undertaken. An interaction in solution was observed, the data indicating that two molecules of cephalin react with one molecule of the quaternary ammonium surfactant.
Keyphrases
Qbaternary ammonium bactericides-interaction with cephalin, in Liieo literature review, irz eitro conductometric study 0 Cephalin interaction with quaternary ammonium bactericides--in cico literature review, in ritro conductometric study Conductometric studies-interaction of cephalin with quaternary ammonium bactericides 0 Bactericidal activity-quaternary ammonium compounds * Present address: Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute, Rensselaer, N. Y.
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