Antimicrobial activity of cationic Gemini surfactant containing an oxycarbonyl group in the lipophilic portion against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms

Abstract

We evaluated the antimicrobial activities of a cationic Gemini surfactant, trans-1,4-bis[2-(alkanoyloxy)ethyldimethylammonio]-2-butene dichloride [II-m-2(/-butene)] and its derivatives against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The II-m-2(/-butene) compound was previously shown to have good surface activity and biodegradability. A dodecanoyloxy derivative(m = 12) of II-m-2(/-butene) showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Streptococcus aureus [minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC): 7.8 μg/mL] and Gram-negative Escherichia coli(MIC: 31.2 μg/mL). © 2013 by Japan Oil Chemists' Society.