SDBS-AEO Mixture for Triton X-100 Replacement: Surface Activity and Application in Biosensors

Triton X-100 (TX-100) is a commonly used surfactant in the manufacture of biosensors. The factors limiting the use of TX-100 in biosensors are environmental concerns. In this study, the binary system of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and fatty alcohol-polyoxyethlene ether (AEO) was investigated from the physicochemical principle of surfactant interaction and its application in biosensors. The results demonstrated that a mixture of SDBS and AEO at an appropriate molar ratio had a comparable activity to TX-100 in terms of surface activity, micelle formation, dynamic adsorption, foaming, emulsifying, and cell permeability. Theory and experimentation support the idea that SDBS-AEO might take the place of TX-100 in the manufacturing of biosensors. This study contributes to the development of alternatives to TX-100 and provides a new perspective for an in-depth study of the interaction mechanism of additives in biosensor design.