Abstract
CATIONIC detergents, the bactericidal property of which was discovered by Domagk (1938), have a precipitating effect on certain proteins (Kuhn–Bielig, 1940). Since this precipitation occurs at high pH. values, it is evident that it is due to salt-like bonds between the positively charged groups of the detergent and negative groups of the proteins. It is not surprising, therefore, that similar precipitates were observed when solutions of polysaccharidic acids, such as agar-agar, heparin, or gum arabic, were added to those of Desogen (Geigy), that is, methyl-phenyl-dodecyl-trimethyl-ammonium methosulphate. In the course of these experiments it was observed, however, that polysaccharides devoid of acidic groups were also precipitated by Desogen. Thus soluble starch (Merck, Schuchardt), dissolved in distilled water or in salt solution at different pH values, gave distinct precipitates. Two minima of turbidity were observed, one at a pH of 14 and another close to pH 7 (see table).
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YENSON, M. Precipitating Effect of Cationic Detergents on Soluble Starch. Nature 159, 813 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/159813a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/159813a0
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