Activating the antimicrobial activity of an anionic singlet-oxygen sensitizer through surfactant complexation.
Cationic oligo-p-phenylene ethynylenes have shown much promise as broad-spectrum light-activated antimicrobial compounds against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The anionic varieties, however, have weak biocidal activity. In this study, a complex is formed between a weakly biocidal anionic oligomer and a cationic surfactant, and the effects on their biocidal activity against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus are explored. The enhancement in biocidal activity that is observed when the complex is irradiated suggests that interfacial surfactant gives the complex a net-positive charge, allowing it to associate strongly with the bacterial membrane. The results of this study demonstrate a method for the enhancement of biocidal activity of singlet-oxygen sensitizers and corroborate the use of surfactants as trans-membrane drug-delivery agents.
Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering and the Nanoscience and Microsystems Engineering Program, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-1341, United States.
Eric H
EH
Hill
Harry C
HC
Pappas
David G
DG
Whitten
D000838:Anions / Q000737:chemistry*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D026082:Singlet Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000838:Anions; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D026082:Singlet Oxygen