Newly synthesized surfactants as antimicrobial and anti-adhesion agents

Abstract

Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are widely used in medicine, industry and agriculture as disinfectants, biocides, and fungicides. QAS have the ability to coat various surfaces, prevent adhesion of microorganisms to them and inhibit the formation of biofilm. A group of surfactants derived from benzoic acid with different chemical structures was tested: monomeric QAS with different alkyl chain lengths (C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆), gemini QAS containing 12-carbon alkyl chains and linkers of various lengths (3,4,6 methylene groups), as well as multifunctional QAS. Among the tested surfactants, monomeric QAS showed the highest bactericidal and fungicidal activity. All three groups of tested compounds inhibited the filamentation of C. albicans. The best antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by the monomeric surfactant C₁₂AA, while the multifunctional equivalent (2xC₁₂AA) was characterized by good anti-adhesive activity. All tested compounds are non-mutagenic and cause low hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes. Multifunctional and gemini surfactants are also non-toxic.

Keywords: Adhesion; Biofilm; Filamentation; Gemini quaternary ammonium salts (QAS); Haemolysis; Monomeric QAS.