Self-Assembly, Antimicrobial Properties and Biodegradability of Ester-Functionalized Choline-Based Surface-Active...

Area of Science:

• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Choline-based ionic liquids (ILs) are promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents.
• Increasing alkyl chain length in amphiphilic ILs reduces biodegradability.
• Ecotoxicological profiles of ILs need improvement for broader applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize ester-functionalized choline-based ionic liquids (CnECholBr).
• To enhance the biodegradability and ecotoxicological profile of choline-based ILs.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of CnECholBr.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CnECholBr with varying alkyl chain lengths (C10-C14).
• Study of self-aggregation behavior in aqueous solutions.
• Antimicrobial and antibiofilm testing against bacteria and yeasts (including MRSA and *C. albicans*).
• Assessment of aerobic biodegradability and aquatic toxicity using luminescent bacteria.

Main Results:

• CnECholBr exhibited enhanced surface activity and biodegradation rates compared to non-functionalized ILs.
• Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of CnECholBr was generally lower than non-functionalized ILs.
• C12ECholBr showed the most effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity among the synthesized compounds.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating ester functionality improves the biodegradability of choline-based ILs.
• A balance between biodegradability and antimicrobial efficacy is crucial for IL design.
• C12ECholBr represents a promising candidate for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications with an improved environmental profile.