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López-Fernández AM, Neto JC, de Llanos R, Miravet JF, Galindo F. Minimalistic bis-triarylpyridinium cations: effective antimicrobials against bacterial and fungal pathogens. RSC Med Chem 2025:d4md00902a. [PMID: 40190417 PMCID: PMC11969996 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00902a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
A series of twelve compounds from the family of 2,4,6-triarylpyridinium cations have been synthesized, chemically characterized (1H, 13C NMR, HRMS), and microbiologically evaluated (MIC determination against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans). These compounds are quaternary ammonium cations (QACs), classified as either mono-QACs or bis-QACs. The mono-QACs are further divided into those with short (three-carbon) and long (twelve-carbon) pendant chains. An additional structural variable is the number of bromine atoms attached to the aromatic rings, ranging from zero to three. The major findings of this study are: (a) bis-QACs exhibit notably higher antimicrobial activity than mono-QACs; (b) an increased number of bromine atoms on the structure appears to diminish antimicrobial properties and (c) one of the compounds (1a) shows particularly promising properties as a broad spectrum antimicrobial, given its low MICs across all five pathogenic microorganisms studied. Preliminary assays with C. albicans show that 1a has a strong mitochondrial activity, causing a remarkable mitochondrial membrane depolarization in this organelle. Taken together, this study positions triarylpyridinium cations-previously unexplored as antimicrobials-as promising candidates for future drug development, especially in light of the growing concern over drug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M López-Fernández
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I Av. V. Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - Jean C Neto
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I Av. V. Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - Rosa de Llanos
- Unidad Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I Av. V. Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - Juan F Miravet
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I Av. V. Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - Francisco Galindo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I Av. V. Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
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2
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Lainioti GC, Druvari D. Designing Antibacterial-Based Quaternary Ammonium Coatings (Surfaces) or Films for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:12264. [PMID: 39596329 PMCID: PMC11595235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2024] [Revised: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial coatings based on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been widely investigated in controlled release applications. Quaternary ammonium compounds are low-cost and easily accessible disinfectants that have been extensively used, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been a growing interest in developing a clearer understanding of various aspects that need to be taken into account for the design of quaternary ammonium compounds to be used in the biomedical field. In this contribution, we outline the mechanism of action of those materials as well as the key design parameters associated with their structure and antibacterial activity. Moreover, emphasis has been placed on the type of antibacterial coatings based on QACs and their applications in the biomedical field. A brief outlook on future research guidelines for the development of dual-function antibacterial coatings is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia C. Lainioti
- Department of Food Science & Technology, University of Patras, GR-30100 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Denisa Druvari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece;
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3
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Fedorowicz J, Sączewski J. Advances in the Synthesis of Biologically Active Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4649. [PMID: 38731869 PMCID: PMC11083083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the design and synthesis of biologically active quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). The covered scope extends beyond commonly reviewed antimicrobial derivatives to include synthetic agents with antifungal, anticancer, and antiviral properties. Additionally, this review highlights examples of quaternary ammonium compounds exhibiting activity against protozoa and herbicidal effects, as well as analgesic and anesthetic derivatives. The article also embraces the quaternary-ammonium-containing cholinesterase inhibitors and muscle relaxants. QACs, marked by their inherent permanent charge, also find widespread usage across diverse domains such as fabric softeners, hair conditioners, detergents, and disinfectants. The effectiveness of QACs hinges greatly on finding the right equilibrium between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity. The ideal length of the alkyl chain varies according to the unique structure of each QAC and its biological settings. It is expected that this review will provide comprehensive data for medicinal and industrial chemists to design and develop novel QAC-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fedorowicz
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jarosław Sączewski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland;
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4
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Kula N, Lamch Ł, Futoma-Kołoch B, Wilk KA, Obłąk E. The effectiveness of newly synthesized quaternary ammonium salts differing in chain length and type of counterion against priority human pathogens. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21799. [PMID: 36526659 PMCID: PMC9757636 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) commonly occur as active substances in disinfectants. QAS have the important property of coating abiotic surfaces, which prevents adhesion of microorganisms, thus inhibiting biofilm formation. In this study, a group of nine monomeric QAS, differing in the structure and length of the aliphatic chain (C12, C14, C16) and the counterion (methylcarbonate, acetate, bromide), were investigated. The study included an analysis of their action against planktonic forms as well as bacterial biofilms. The compounds were tested for their anti-adhesion properties on stainless steel, polystyrene, silicone and glass surfaces. Moreover, mutagenicity analysis and evaluation of hemolytic properties were performed. It was found that compounds with 16-carbon hydrophobic chains were the most promising against both planktonic forms and biofilms. Tested surfactants (C12, C14, C16) showed anti-adhesion activity but it was dependent on the type of the surface and strain used. The tested compounds at MIC concentrations did not cause hemolysis of sheep blood cells. The type of counterion was not as significant for the activity of the compound as the length of the hydrophobic aliphatic chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kula
- Department of Physico-Chemistry of Microorganisms, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Lamch
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bożena Futoma-Kołoch
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Kazimiera A Wilk
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Obłąk
- Department of Physico-Chemistry of Microorganisms, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
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Xu Q, Dai X, Yang L, Liu X, Li Y, Gao F. ε-Polylysine-Based Macromolecules with Catalase-Like Activity to Accelerate Wound Healing by Clearing Bacteria and Attenuating Inflammatory Response. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5018-5026. [PMID: 36256969 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing has remained a critical challenge due to its susceptibility to bacterial infection and the unique biological inflammatory response. Safe and effective therapeutics are still lacking. Biodegradable macromolecules (ε-polylysine-g-ferrocene, EPL-g-Fc) were developed to accelerate wound healing by combating bacterial infection and attenuating inflammatory responses. The biodegradable macromolecules were prepared via a Schiff-based reaction between ferrocene carboxaldehyde (Fc) and ε-polylysine (EPL). Through the synergistic combination of positive-charged EPL and π-π stacked Fc, the macromolecules possess excellent antibacterial activities. EPL-g-Fc with catalase-like activity could modulate the oxidative microenvironment in mammalian cells and zebrafish by catalyzing H2O2 into H2O and O2. EPL-g-Fc could alleviate inflammatory response in vitro. Furthermore, the macromolecules could accelerate bacteria-infected wound healing in vivo. This work provides a versatile strategy for repairing bacteria-infected wounds by eliminating bacteria, modulating oxidative microenvironment, and alleviating inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xu
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomei Dai
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
| | - Lele Yang
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, Laboratory of Biosensing and Bioimaging (LOBAB), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu241002, P. R. China
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6
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Sommers KJ, Michaud ME, Hogue CE, Scharnow AM, Amoo LE, Petersen AA, Carden RG, Minbiole KPC, Wuest WM. Quaternary Phosphonium Compounds: An Examination of Non-Nitrogenous Cationic Amphiphiles That Evade Disinfectant Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:387-397. [PMID: 35077149 PMCID: PMC8996050 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) serve as mainstays in the formulation of disinfectants and antiseptics. However, an over-reliance and misuse of our limited QAC arsenal has driven the development and spread of resistance to these compounds, as well as co-resistance to common antibiotics. Extensive use of these compounds throughout the COVID-19 pandemic thus raises concern for the accelerated proliferation of antimicrobial resistance and demands for next-generation antimicrobials with divergent architectures that may evade resistance. To this end, we endeavored to expand beyond canonical ammonium scaffolds and examine quaternary phosphonium compounds (QPCs). Accordingly, a synthetic and biological investigation into a library of novel QPCs unveiled biscationic QPCs to be effective antimicrobial scaffolds with improved broad-spectrum activities compared to commercial QACs. Notably, a subset of these compounds was found to be less effective against a known QAC-resistant strain of MRSA. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the unique presence of a family of small multiresistant transporter proteins, hypothesized to enable efflux-mediated resistance to QACs and QPCs. Further investigation of this resistance mechanism through efflux-pump inhibition and membrane depolarization assays illustrated the superior ability of P6P-10,10 to perturb the cell membrane and exert the observed broad-spectrum potency compared to its commercial counterparts. Collectively, this work highlights the promise of biscationic phosphonium compounds as next-generation disinfectant molecules with potent bioactivities, thereby laying the foundation for future studies into the synthesis and biological investigation of this nascent antimicrobial class.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cody E. Hogue
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - Amber M. Scharnow
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lauren E. Amoo
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - Ashley A. Petersen
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - Robert G. Carden
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - Kevin P. C. Minbiole
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - William M. Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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Liang J, Sun D, Yang Y, Li M, Li H, Chen L. Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113696. [PMID: 34274828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingxue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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