Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
cationic
This term is a specialized technical descriptor used primarily in chemistry, pharmacology, and materials science. It describes a specific electrical state where a molecule or ion carries a net positive charge, making it the direct opposite of anionic. In commercial contexts, such as cosmetics and hair care, it is frequently used to describe surfactants that adhere to negatively charged biological surfaces to provide conditioning effects.
Because it is a precise scientific classification, the word is almost never used in casual conversation or non-technical writing. It functions as a restrictive adjective, meaning it categorizes the substance by its chemical property rather than describing a quality that can vary in degree.
Meanings
Possessing a positive electrical charge, specifically referring to an ion or a polymer that is positively charged.
The cationic nature of the surfactant allows it to bind effectively to the negatively charged surfaces of hair and skin.
Examples
The researcher used a cationic polymer to encapsulate the DNA.
The researcher used a cationic polymer to encapsulate the DNA.
Cationic surfactants are commonly used in hair conditioners to reduce static.
We need to check if the resin is cationic or anionic before starting the experiment.
The drug delivery system relies on cationic lipids to cross the cell membrane.
Is this specific detergent formulated with cationic agents?
The cationic nature of the protein allows it to bind strongly to the negatively charged RNA.
I wonder if a cationic coating would improve the adhesion of the paint.
The solution contains several cationic species that interfere with the reaction.