Dual biomedical applications of quaternary ammonium salts: Antimicrobial and anticancer perspectives

Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are amphiphilic compounds that have a cationic head and hydrophobic alkyl tail, and are widely recognized for antimicrobial and emerging anticancer applications. The alkyl length and cationic head structure are critical to surface activity, micelle formation, and biological effectiveness. QASs exert antimicrobial action primarily via electrostatic interactions with microbial membranes that result in membrane disruption, leakage of cellular contents, and ultimately cell death. QASs can differ in their potency against various types of bacteria, with Gram-positive bacteria generally being more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria. Resistance mechanisms include efflux pumps and modified properties in the cell envelope, but QASs can still be used in combination with antibiotics, nanoparticles, and composite biocides to overcome QAS tolerance. The purpose of this review was to specifically review and quantify QASs' antimicrobial and anticancer activities, emphasizing the mechanisms of action and applications. Findings of antimicrobial viability for QASs have underscored their dual function in anticancer applications, as they can disrupt cancer cell membranes, induce oxidative stress, and ultimately, instigate apoptosis. Limitations still exist, including cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells, environmental degradation due to persistence, and some stability limitations that necessitate specific structural development and targeted delivery methods. Future studies should focus more on biodegradable, stimuli-responsive QAS, combined antimicrobial and anticancer strategies, and rational design strategies through computational modeling.

کلیدواژه ها:

Quaternary ammonium salts ، Amphiphilic compounds ، Antimicrobial activity ، anticancer activity