omega-Hydroxytetradecanoic acid (omega-HOC14), prepared via an efficient yeast-catalyzed omega-hydroxylation of the corresponding fatty acid, was converted in two steps to the polymerizable zwitteronic surfactant omega-O-maleate-alpha-2-dimethylaminoethyl tetradecanamide (DMTA). Emulsion polymerizations of styrene with DMTA, bearing carboxylic and tertiary amine groups at the omega- and alpha-positions, were conducted in different pH environments. Emulsion polymerizations were most successful (particle diameters <80 nm, high styrene conversion) under basic conditions (pH 9.8 and 11.0), where latex samples have highly negative zeta potentials (-40.4 to -46.0 mV). Because of the zwitterionic nature of the surfactant, transparent or semitransparent latexes were obtained under either acidic (pH < 4) or basic (pH > 9) conditions. In the pH range of 4-9, aggregation occurred; however, by adjustment of the pH to either acidic or basic conditions, partial redispersion occurred highlighting DMTA's ability to provide stimuli-responsive colloidal behavior. Unexpectedly, upon drying the latex formed at pH = 3.1, a membrane with nanodimension pores was formed.