Amphiphilic bis-quaternary ammonium salts as promising emulsifiers in emulgel
Analyzing the amphiphilic structure of compounds paves the way for designing emulsifiers with precisely controlled properties, revolutionizing the stability and functionality of emulgel systems. In this study, we assessed the surface activity, wettability, colloidal stability, thermal, and topograph...
| Autores: | , , , , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión aceptada para publicación |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2026 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) |
| Repositorio: | DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:digital.csic.es:10261/422774 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/422774 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105030920816 |
| Access Level: | acceso embargado |
| Palabra clave: | Topical delivery Bis-quaternary ammonium salts Emulgel Emulsifiers Surface activity http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3 http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation |
| Sumario: | Analyzing the amphiphilic structure of compounds paves the way for designing emulsifiers with precisely controlled properties, revolutionizing the stability and functionality of emulgel systems. In this study, we assessed the surface activity, wettability, colloidal stability, thermal, and topography analysis of a series of novel bis-quaternary ammonium salts (bis-QASs). The critical micelle concentration ( CMC ) data clearly indicate a slight decrease in values from 0.023 to 0.013 mmol/L with increasing spacer alkyl chain length. A similar trend is observed for surface tension at the CMC (38.4–41.0 mN/m), with values within the typical range reported for gemini surfactants in the literature. This suggests that the minor differences in surface properties are due to the compounds achieving maximum surface activity. QAS-1 was selected as the emulsifier for emulgel formulation due to its optimal surface properties: lowest surface tension at CMC ( γ <inf> CMC </inf> = 38.4 mN/m), highest surface pressure at CMC ( Π <inf> CMC </inf> = 34.2 mN/m), and highest adsorption efficiency ( pC <inf> 20 </inf> = 5.80), ensuring stable interfacial films and efficient emulsification. Its shorter C<inf>4</inf> spacer also avoids steric hindrance observed in longer-spacer compounds, further supporting emulgel stability. Consequently, an emulgel was prepared for the analysis of its physicochemical properties, including rheology, spreadability, the presence of microorganisms, and organoleptic attributes such as texture. This article presents a groundbreaking investigation into the fundamental principles behind the application of bis-QASs as emulgels, driving the development of advanced delivery systems in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. |
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