Cationic Imidazolium Amphiphiles Bearing a Methoxyphenyl Fragment: Synthesis, Self-Assembly Behavior, and Antimicrobial Activity

Langmuir. 2022 Apr 26;38(16):4921-4934. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00299. Epub 2022 Apr 11.

Abstract

Novel cationic amphiphiles of the 3-alkyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium bromide series bearing methoxyphenyl fragments (MPI-n) have been synthesized. Their aggregation properties in aqueous solutions, solubilization capacity, and hemolytic and antimicrobial activities have been investigated by a number of physicochemical methods. Using tensiometry, conductometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy, it was shown that the MPI-n have lower CMCs than their nonfunctionalized counterparts. The unusual alkyl-chain-length-dependent morphology of aggregates is testified for this homological series. Amphiphiles with 12, 14, and 16 alkyl tails are characterized by the formation of micellar aggregates, while a surfactant with a decyl tail is characterized by the formation of larger aggregates with lower surface curvature. The MPI-10 aggregate morphology was rationalized in terms of the packing parameter consideration and was supported by size measurements and the fluorescence probe techniques, which showed that vesicle-like aggregates in close-packing mode probably occur. MPI-n aggregates have exhibited a high solubilization capacity toward hydrophobic azo dye Orange OT. Importantly, amphiphiles studied showed (i) high bacteriostatic activity at the level of ciprofloxacin; (ii) high bactericidal action against all Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant strains; (iii) bactericidal properties against Gram-negative bacteria; and (iv) low hemolytic activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Cations
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Micelles*
  • Surface-Active Agents* / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cations
  • Micelles
  • Surface-Active Agents