Building a Better Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC): Branched Tetracationic Antiseptic Amphiphiles |
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| Authors: | Megan E Forman Megan C Jennings Prof William M Wuest Prof Kevin P C Minbiole |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA;2. Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA |
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| Abstract: | Bacteria contaminate surfaces in a wide variety of environments, causing severe problems across a number of industries. In a continuation of our campaign to develop novel antibacterial quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as useful antiseptics, we have identified a starting material bearing four tertiary amines, enabling the rapid synthesis of several tris‐ and tetracationic QACs. Herein we report the synthesis and biological activity of a series of 24 multiQACs deemed the “superT” family, and an investigation of the role of cationic charge in antimicrobial and anti‐biofilm activity, as well as toxicity. This class represents the most potent series of QACs reported to date against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) as low as 0.25 and 25 μm , respectively. Based on the significant cell‐surface‐charge differences between bacterial and eukaryotic cells, in certain cases we observed excellent efficacy‐to‐toxicity profiles, exceeding a 100‐fold differential. This work further elucidates the chemical underpinnings of disinfectant efficacy versus toxicity based on cationic charge. |
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| Keywords: | bacterial biofilms disinfectants methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) quaternary ammonium compounds |
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