Abstract
In collaboration with Rockline Industries, Sheboygan, WI, the antimicrobial activity of two surfactants have been evaluated over a range of pH. The pH of 10% commercial surfactant in water was adjusted using three organic acid/organic base pairs including citric acid, benzoic acid/sodium benzoate, and salicylic acid/sodium salicylate. Inhibition of growth of a series of bacteria and fungi over a pH range of 2-7 will be described. Additionally, the chemical synthesis and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of a novel zwitterionic surfactant will be discussed.
