Determination of the toxicity effect of sorbitan esters surfactants group on biological membrane

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of one group of surfactants including sorbitan esters (span 20, 40, 60 and 80) on biologic membrane by using human red blood cells as a model. In this study, the hemolytic effect of four surfactants from span category were evaluated. Surfactants solution were prepared in Mclvane's buffer in specific concentration. Red blood cells were mixed with surfactants solution incubated in three different time and three temperature. The UV absorbances of the samples were determined by UV spectrophotometer. Each test was done in 9 times. Emulsification index, foam producing activity, also determined for each surfactant solution. The results showed that these agents had hemolytic effects. Span 20 caused more hemolysis and membrane demolishing effect than the others. Their hemolysis effects were enhanced by micreasing temperature and time of incubation. According to hemolysis results, foam activity test and E24, the interaction between span 80 and biological membrane is the least and it means has least toxic effect on cells. Anyway because these agents are used as excipients in pharmaceutical preparations, their membrane toxic effect should be considered. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information.