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AAT Bioquest

What is a zwitterionic surfactant?

Posted July 16, 2024


Answer

A zwitterionic surfactant is a surfactant that carries both a negative and a positive charge simultaneously. It is also known as an amphoteric surfactant. 

In general, zwitterionic surfactants have low toxicity, high resistance to hard water, and strong antibacterial properties. They are also highly compatible with various kinds of surfactants. 

Additional resources

Use of a Zwitterionic Surfactant to Improve the Biofunctional Properties of Wool Dyed with an Onion (Allium cepa L.) Skin Extract