Ionic Liquids: Emerging Antimicrobial Agents

From trash to cash: current strategies for bio-upcycling of recaptured monomeric building blocks from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste

“…253 The biological effects imposed by ILs on microbial cells normally will depend on the organism nature (Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, or filamentous fungi), and on ILs characteristics, for example, the alkyl chain length of the cation (C8 to C14 is toxic, however with >C14 chains, the effect is attenuated due the formation of micelles), the degree of functionalization in the side chain of the cation, anion and cation natures (chaotropicity), and the combined influence of them, besides the IL concentration and the exposure time. [254][255][256][257][258][259][260][261] Differences in cell wall composition in bacteria are the main reason for ILs to show more activity against Gram-positive cocci than Gram-negative rods. This dependence of the ILs' biological effect on the cell wall and outer membrane structures is also observed in fungi.…”

“…253 The biological effects imposed by ILs on microbial cells normally will depend on the organism nature (Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, or filamentous fungi), and on ILs characteristics, for example, the alkyl chain length of the cation (C8 to C14 is toxic, however with >C14 chains, the effect is attenuated due the formation of micelles), the degree of functionalization in the side chain of the cation, anion and cation natures (chaotropicity), and the combined influence of them, besides the IL concentration and the exposure time. 254–261…”

Recent progress of antibacterial hydrogels in wound dressings

“…Moreover, differences in the molecular weight of polymers may affect the physical properties of natural polymer hydrogels. Inspired by the natural raw material chitosan, researchers have prescribed ionic liquids (ILs) composed of organic cations and anions with melting points below 100 ​°C [ 134 ]. ILs disrupt bacterial membranes by generating pores generally, and then cell leakage and death occur through rapid action [ 135 ].…”

Mechanisms of Biological Effects of Ionic Liquids: From Single Cells to Multicellular Organisms

“…Most surprisingly, whereas the other branches have been demonstrating evident growth (Energetics and Toxicity) or have reached a plateau (Green chemistry, Fine-tuned biological activity, and Medicine) during the last two decades, research on mechanistic aspects of IL-induced toxicity (Mechanisms of toxicity) seems stagnant in comparison. The topic of the biological activity of ILs, in particular, their toxicity toward various biological systems and organisms, has been addressed in details in numerous reviews, including recent reviews. ,,− Possible applications of ILs in medicine comprise a separate scientific branch, which has its share of reviews. ,− However, to the best of our knowledge, almost no attempts to systematize and generalize the available data from the viewpoint of mechanisms of IL-related toxicity have been made thus far. We think the time has come to present such a review to the IL-dedicated scientific society.…”