Quaternary Ammonium Salts-Based Materials: A Review on Environmental Toxicity, Anti-Fouling Mechanisms and Applications in Marine and Water Treatment Industries

Overview

Journal Biomolecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Aug 29

PMID 39199346

Authors

Paola Marzullo

Michelangelo Gruttadauria

Francesca DAnna

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The adherence of pathogenic microorganisms to surfaces and their association to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms threatens public health and affects several industrial sectors with significant economic losses. For this reason, the medical, pharmaceutical and materials science communities are exploring more effective anti-fouling approaches. This review focuses on the anti-fouling properties, structure-activity relationships and environmental toxicity of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) and, as a subclass, ionic liquid compounds. Greener alternatives such as QAS-based antimicrobial polymers with biocide release, non-fouling (i.e., PEG, zwitterions), fouling release (i.e., poly(dimethylsiloxanes), fluorocarbon) and contact killing properties are highlighted. We also report on dual-functional polymers and stimuli-responsive materials. Given the economic and environmental impacts of biofilms in submerged surfaces, we emphasize the importance of less explored QAS-based anti-fouling approaches in the marine industry and in developing efficient membranes for water treatment systems.

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