Toxicity of nonionic surfactants

Abstract

Nonionic surfactants are amphilic chemicals that enhance desorption and bioavailability by increasing solubility and dispersion of poorly soluble hydrocarbons and oils. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of commercial nonionic surfactants by using the Microtox ® Acute Toxicity test which is a rapid, simple test for toxicity. The test uses the luminescent bacterium V. fischeri as the test organism. Five common commercial nonionic surfactants Tergitol NP-10, Triton X-100, Igepal 630, Brij 35 and Tween 40 were used in the study. Light readings were taken initially as well as at 0 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes to see how the toxicity of each surfactant changed with time. Experiments were conducted to determine the five-minute EC 50 values. EC 50 is the effective concentration that causes a 50% decrease in light output in a 5-minute exposure period. A higher effective concentration is interpreted as a lower toxicity. The critical toxic concentration (CTC) was also determined. Toxicity of the surfactants varied according to their difference in chemical structures and branching. EC 50 values were less than the CTC and CMC values of all select surfactants. Higher toxicity was shown by surfactant solutions that contained a benzene ring in comparison to the others.

Dairy matrix effect on the transference of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil compounds during cheese making

“…In this study, an REO concentration of 0.2 g kg −1 was chosen to study the transference of EO volatile compounds during the cheese‐making process to prevent an excessive sensory impact, as well as to maintain the antimicrobial activity and a safe dose. Tween ® ‐20 was selected as a polysorbate surfactant whose stability and relative lack of toxicity allow it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier for culinary, scientific and pharmacological purposes . Specific surfactant actions are required to improve the affinity of the matrix for volatile compounds, particularly terpenes.…”

“…Tween ® -20 was selected as a polysorbate surfactant whose stability and relative lack of toxicity allow it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier for culinary, scientific and pharmacological purposes. 36,37 Specific surfactant actions are required to improve the affinity of the matrix for volatile compounds, particularly terpenes.…”

Sonobactericide: An Emerging Treatment Strategy for Bacterial Infections

“…Fifteen of the 27 sonobactericide studies (56%) used microbubbles that are clinically approved, by the FDA and European Medicines Agency, which could help with the translation of sonobactericide into the clinic. Contrarily, sonobactericide with custom-made microbubbles containing Triton (Halford et al 2012) is not translatable because this surfactant is toxic to cells (Jahan et al 2008;Koley and Bard 2010). The ideal characteristics of a clinically relevant treatment can be broadly described as improved patient outcomes, reduction in treatment times and practical implementation in the clinic.…”

Surfactant adsorption to soil components and soils

“…The 'Handbook of Detergents, Part B, Environmental impact' [8] considers the environmental aspects of most surfactant types. Recent information on the aquatic toxicity, biodegradability, and bioaccumulation, which are relevant for the assessment of surfactant ecotoxicity, can be found in [9][10][11][12][13]. Rebello et al [10] conclude in their review: "…regarding surfactants as non-pollutants is a mistake.…”