Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of polymerizable quaternary ammoniums

Introduction of biocide monomers during the process of polymerization is a promising approach in the development of new permanent non leaching biocide materials. Two series of surfactants monomers, with a quaternary ammonium group as polar head and an acrylic function as the polymerizable moiety, were synthesized and tested to evaluate their surface active properties alongside with their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Four microbial strains were used to perform the study: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The biocidal efficacy measured by bacterial and fungal growth inhibition expressed as MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and MLC (Minimal Lethal Concentration) values was discussed as a function of molecular parameters. All the synthesized surfactant monomers presented bactericidal and fungicidal activities. Increasing the spacer between the acrylic part and the ammonium group has a favourable effect on the MIC and MLC results.