Gemini surfactants from natural amino acids

In this review, we report the most important contributions in the structure, synthesis, physicochemical (surface adsorption, aggregation and phase behaviour) and biological properties (toxicity, antimicrobial activity and biodegradation) of Gemini natural amino acid-based surfactants, and some potential applications, with an emphasis on the use of these surfactants as non-viral delivery system agents. Gemini surfactants derived from basic (Arg, Lys), neutral (Ser, Ala, Sar), acid (Asp) and sulphur containing amino acids (Cys) as polar head groups, and Geminis with amino acids/peptides in the spacer chain are reviewed. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.This work was supported by the Spanish Plan National I+D+I Project CTQ2009-14151-C02-02, and CTQ2010-14897 from Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. AGAUR 2009 SGR 1331. Roshi Yousefi and Imma Carrera for technical assistance.Peer reviewe