Quaternary Ammonium Salts: Insights into Synthesis and New Directions in Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of a large number of antibiotic-resistant genes in bacteria, and increasing evidence indicates that a fungicide with an antibacterial mechanism different from that of antibiotics is needed. Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are a biparental substance with good antibacterial properties that kills bacteria through simple electrostatic adsorption and insertion into cell membranes/altering of cell membrane permeability. Therefore, the probability of bacteria developing drug resistance is greatly reduced. In this review, we focus on the synthesis and application of single-chain QASs, double-chain QASs, heterocyclic QASs, and gemini QASs (GQASs). Some possible structure–function relationships of QASs are also summarized. As such, we hope this review will provide insight for researchers to explore more applications of QASs in the field of antimicrobials with the aim of developing systems for clinical applications.

Converting Acellular Dermal Matrix into On-Demand Versatile Skin Scaffolds by a Balanceable Crosslinking Approach for Integrated Infected Wounds Therapy

“…It can be seen from the SEM image that the bacteria on the scaffold have denatured and ruptured under the action of OHTCC. Quaternary ammonium groups can bind to the bacterial membrane through electrostatic interactions, thereby disrupting the bacterial osmotic balance and resulting in overexpansion, the bacteria die effectively, , which is shown in the schematic diagram in Figure D. After the crosslinking of OHTCC with pADM, OHTCC residues with antimicrobial activity are introduced into pADM.…”

Bis-quaternary ammonium betulin-based dimethacrylate: synthesis, characterization, and application in dental restorative resins

“…9). 60,61 (I) Electrostatic attraction: the positively charged (N + ) surface of dental resin could promote the capture of the tested bacteria with negatively charged cell wall at initial contact through electrostatic attraction. (II) Leakage of cell contents: the electric balance and the cellular integrity are disrupted due to the puncture of bacterial cell wall/membrane through the hydrophobic polymer chains (the alkyl chains).…”

Highly Effective and Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Quaternary Ammonium Salts Containing Camphene Structure: Preparation, Surface-Active Properties, and Bioassay

“…The preparation of camphenyl quaternary ammonium salt compounds 4b−n followed the typical procedure described below for the preparation of compound 4a. (E)-1- (2)(3)heptan-2-ylidene)ethyl)pyridine-1-ium Chloride (4a). Compound 3 (3.68 g, 20 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of ethyl acetate, and then pyridine (1.90 g, 24 mmol) was added into the solution.…”

“…In particular, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel, highly contagious coronavirus has led to over one-sixth of global deaths in the past 3 years . Under those circumstances, disinfectants are commonly used in hospitals, industries, and households, which play a pivotal role on epidemic prevention and control . Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are one of the most favorable and effective classes of disinfectants due to their excellent antibacterial activity, relatively low toxicity, easy preparation, and low price. , …”

“…1 Under those circumstances, disinfectants are commonly used in hospitals, industries, and households, which play a pivotal role on epidemic prevention and control. 2 Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are one of the most favorable and effective classes of disinfectants due to their excellent antibacterial activity, relatively low toxicity, easy preparation, and low price. 3,4 With the lucubrating of research, the development of modern QASs has been in rapid progress over the past 2 decades.…”