Antibacterial effects of novel quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts against Staphylococcus aureus

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Nunes, B (Author) Other; Cagide, F (Author) Other; Anabela Borges (Author) FEUP; Borges, F (Author) Other; Simoes, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Vol. 136

ISSN: 1364-5072

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

ISI Web of Science - Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

LEPABE - Projeto Estratégico do LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

InnovAntiBiofilm - Boosting Sustainable Innovation in Developing New Antibiotic Adjuvants to Control Biofilm Resistance

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-018-V2Y

DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxaf122

Abstract (EN): Aim This study investigates the mechanisms of action of a promising series of previously synthesized quaternary ammonium (QASs) and phosphonium (QPSs) salts, which have shown potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA).Methods and results The effects of QASs and QPSs on S. aureus surface charge, total surface hydrophobicity, intracellular potassium release, membrane integrity, and ultrastructure were examined. QASs and QPSs significantly altered bacterial surface properties by reducing negative surface charge, disrupting membrane integrity, and inducing potassium leakage and propidium iodide uptake. Furthermore, S. aureus became less hydrophilic due to changes in surface hydrophobicity. Transmission electron microscopy revealed cytoplasmic leakage and the presence of electron-dense extracellular material around damaged bacterial cells upon exposure to high concentrations of these salts.Conclusions The antimicrobial activity of QASs and QPSs is driven by their ability to alter bacterial surface properties, destabilizing and disrupting membranes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11