The modification of the triple helical structure of gelatin in aqueous solution 3. The influence of cationic surfactants

The interaction between cationic surfactants (hexadecyl and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) and gelatin was characterized by measuring the circular dichroism. The interaction between the cationic surfactants and gelatin is weak in comparison to that of anionic surfactants. When the concentration of cationic surfactants is sufficiently low, refolding of the gelatin-strands to the triple helical structure by rechilling the solution from 298 K to 283 K is complete. The triple helical content of the solution is affected more strongly by the cationic surfactants in acidic solution than at pHs 7 or 10. The interaction depends on the apolar group of the surfactant and is found to be stronger for DTAB than for CTAB at 298 K. Coagulation of the hydrophobic gelatin-cationic surfactant complexes does not comprise that pan of gelatin which is able to refold the triple helical structure. Therefore, the gelatin-strands of lower molecular weights are thought to react favorably with the surfactant ions.