Biofilm control by ionic liquids

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) are remarkable chemical compounds with applications in many areas of modern science. They are increasingly recognized as promising compounds to fight microorganisms in both planktonic and biofilm states, contributing to reinvent the antimicrobial pipeline. Biofilm-related infections are particularly challenging given that the scientific community has not yet identified a reliable control strategy. Understanding of the action of ILs in biofilm control is is still in a very early stage. However, given the highly tunable nature and exceptional properties of ILs, they are excellent candidates for biofilm control. Here, we review the major advances in, and challenges tothe use of ILs for effective biofilm control.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) and Ionic Liquids (ILs) as Biocides: From Simple Antiseptics to Tunable Antimicrobials

“…However, when evidence of the high biological activity of various classes of ILs has emerged, these substances have quickly become candidates for new drugs and drug-like molecules. In particular, the antimicrobial activity of ILs has attracted much attention, and their possible medical and environmental applications have been proposed [12,13,79,80].…”

Trends in Managing Cardiac and Orthopaedic Device-Associated Infections by Using Therapeutic Biomaterials

“…The most common IL cationic head groups include aromatic (i.e., imidazolium, pyridinium, quinolinium) or non-aromatic (i.e., ammonium, morpholinium, phosphonium, pyrrolidinium, guanidinium, and choline) moieties ( Figure 6 ). The negatively charged anion groups include inorganic (i.e., Cl − , AlCl 4 − , PF 6 − , PF 4 − , BF 4 − , NTf 2 − , DCA − ), organic (i.e., H 3 COO − , CH 3 SO 3 − ) or amino acids (i.e., proline, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, and valine) ( Figure 6 ) [ 116 ]. The length and the number of alkyl chains in the molecule are the main factors determining the antimicrobial activity of ILs, displaying a broad action spectrum toward both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as mycobacteria and fungi [ 115 ].…”

“… List of the main commonly used cations and anions of ionic liquids. Reprinted from The Lancet , [ 116 ] Copyright 2021, with permission from Elsevier. …”

Xenon Diffusion in Ionic Liquids with Blurred Nanodomain Separation

“…[1][2][3] The considerable interest in them is mainly due to their numerous applications in many areas of modern science including: solvents [4] for synthesis and biomass dissolution, [5,6] electrolytes for energy applications, [7][8][9] materials for CO 2 capture/separation [10][11][12] and antimicrobial agents for biofilm control. [13] Also, their use in the preparation and stabilization of nanomaterials, such as graphene, has been discussed. [14] The reason behind the widespread use of these materials lies in the possibility to fine-tune their physico-chemical, and biological properties by independent modification of each constituent ion (cation type, tail length, or anion) or a mixture of them.…”

“…Ionic liquids (ILs) are a peculiar class of materials consisting entirely of ions that usually melt below the temperature of 100 °C [1–3] . The considerable interest in them is mainly due to their numerous applications in many areas of modern science including: solvents [4] for synthesis and biomass dissolution, [5,6] electrolytes for energy applications, [7–9] materials for CO 2 capture/separation [10–12] and antimicrobial agents for biofilm control [13] . Also, their use in the preparation and stabilization of nanomaterials, such as graphene, has been discussed [14] .…”