Evaluating the toxicity of permeability enhanchers of
polyethylene glycol brij ethers surfactants group on
cellular membranes and some of their physicochemical
properties
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Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol brij ethers surfactants group on
red blood cells as a model for biological membranes. Also in this study, physicochemical properties
including emulsification index (E24), foam producing activity (Fh) and critical micelle concentration
(cmc) were studied. Surfactant solutions were prepared in McIvan’s buffer in specific concentrations.
0.2 ml of red blood cells (RBC) was mixed with 0.2 ml of each surfactant solution. The four surfactant
solutions had each been incubated differently at two different temperatures for three different times.
Each test was done six times. The results were presented as mean absorbance ± the standard
deviation. E24, Fh and cmc were also determined for each surfactant solution. All of the surfactant
solutions showed hemolytic activity. In comparison with the four studied surfactants, brij 56 had the
highest hemolytic effect and brij 72 the lowest. The values of E24 and Fh had good correlation with
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values. According to the results of this study, brijs should be used at
concentrations lower than cmc in formulations. Also, according to the results, the use of brijs with low
hemolytic effect such as brij 72, is preferred in pharmaceutical preparations