Adsorption of Cationic Surfactants on Phospholipid Membranes and Its Contributions to Membrane-Surface Potential

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Abstract
The adsorption behavior of cationic surfactants (alkyltrimethylammonium ions) on the phospholipid (phosphatidylethanolamine) membranes has been studied by means of interfacial electrostatic measurements, i.e., the surface potential of the monolayer and the zeta potential of the vesicles, in order to elucidate the balance between hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The data have been analyzed in terms of the interfacial electrochemical concept; these analyses have revealed that the hydrophobic interaction of a surfactant with the phospholipid membrane is the main motive force for adsorption and there is a critical alkyl-chain length to promote the surfactant adsorption. Furthermore, it was found that the electrostatic interactions between the surfactant and the phospholipid membrane, and among the surfactants themselves, also play a role in their adsorption.

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