Bacterial membrane rupture mechanism by biodegradable Gemini surfactants

Biodegradable Gemini surfactants are dimeric surfactants incorporating hydrolysable moieties into their hydrophobic constituents. They combine enhanced antimicrobial efficacy with biodegradability, giving potential for industrial formulation in personal care products. However, their dynamic interactions with the bacterial membrane are not well understood. In collaboration with P&G, the world’s largest personal care product manufacturer, we propose to investigate the dynamic interactions between biodegradable Gemini surfactants with bacteria-mimicking liposomes comprising DDPE, DPPG and cardiolipin (CL). We will use time-resolved USAXS/SAXS/WAXS combined with rapid stopped-flow mixing to study the effects of surfactant binding on the dynamic structure of liposomes and the structural order of phospholipid chains . The results will provide mechanistic insights into the interactions between the biodegradable moieties of these novel Gemini surfactants and membranes.