Antimicrobial properties of highly fluorinated bis-ammonium salts

Four series of new highly fluorinated bisammoniums (Quaterfluo Tx, Quaterfluo Bx, Quaterfluo Cx, Quaterfluo Dx) were tested to evaluate their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Four microbial strains were used to perform the study: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The antimicrobial efficacy was measured by bacterial and fungal growth inhibition expressed as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The Quaterfluo Tx series had very good antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. A speed of kill test carried out with Quaterfluo T3 showed bactericidal activity. The introduction of perfluorinated chains into the quaternary ammonium surfactant structure leads to particularly active antimicrobial agents which not only have bacteriostatic properties but which could be also powerful bactericides.