Electrochemical Characterization, Detoxification and Anticancer activity of Didodecyldimethylammonium Bromide

Quaternaryammonium compounds (QACs) are cationic surfactants with broad range applications. They enter into aquatic environment through the discharge of sewage effluents and adversely affect the ecosystem due to toxicity. Modern electrochemical methods have been used for characterization and detoxification of an extensively used QAC, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) in a wide pH range. The diffusion coefficient of DAAB was determined by Randles-Sevcik equation. In acidic conditions the electrochemical reduction of DAAB occurred by two electrons and two protons process. However, in neutral medium the overall reduction of DAAB followed electronation-protonation mechanism involving 3e- and 3H+. Although DDAB is toxic yet it is bestowed with cancer preventing ability. Hence, for getting insights into the under-standing of DAAB anticancer effect, its DNA binding parameters has been evaluated.