title: Amino acid–based surfactants: New antimicrobial agents.
abstract: The rapid increase of drug resistant bacteria makes necessary the development of new antimicrobial agents. Synthetic amino acid-based surfactants constitute a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobial compounds given that they can be prepared from renewable raw materials. In this review, we discuss the structural features that promote antimicrobial activity of amino acid-based surfactants. Monocatenary, dicatenary and gemini surfactants that contain different amino acids on the polar head and show activity against bacteria are revised. The synthesis and basic physico-chemical properties have also been included.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pinazo
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Manresa
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bustelo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Espuny
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pérez
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013501:Surface-Active Agents