Uracil-derived gemini cationic surfactants: synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional antimicrobial/antibiofilm properties | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 November 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.420189.12286 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Adel A.-H. Abdel-Rahman* 1; Heba A. El-Sayed2; Sherin M. Amin2; Aya M. Mohamed2; Ibrahim M. Nagy2 | ||
| 1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koam, EGYPT. | ||
| 2Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koam, 32511 Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Gemini surfactants are amphiphilic molecules with superior properties over monomeric surfactants. Incorporating uracil derivatives can add biological activity. This work develops multifunctional uracil-derived Gemini surfactants with antimicrobial potential. A series of cationic Gemini surfactants with fatty acid tails, a uracil core, and cationic heads were synthesized and characterized (FT-IR, ¹H-NMR). Surface properties (CMC, surface tension, adsorption efficiency, Γmax, Amin), Krafft point, foaming, stability, and emulsification were measured. Antimicrobial activity was tested against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, and biofilm inhibition was assessed by crystal violet assay. The surfactants showed excellent surface activity. Compounds 6c and 6d were the most potent antimicrobials; 6c had IC₅₀ = 2.5 µg/mL vs. S. aureus (close to Ciprofloxacin), and 6d was strongest against E. coli (IC₅₀ = 4.1 µg/mL). Both were active against P. aeruginosa (IC₅₀ ≈ 8–9 µg/mL). Compound 6e was most effective against C. albicans (IC₅₀ = 6.3 µg/mL), near Amphotericin B. Anti-biofilm assays, 6c and 6d were strongest against S. aureus and 6c excelled against P. aeruginosa.Uracil-derived Gemini cationic surfactants combine tunable architecture with potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity. They represent a promising class of multifunctional agents against pathogenic and drug-resistant microbes. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Gemini Surfactants; Uracil Derivatives; Antimicrobial Activity; Antibiofilm Properties; Cationic Surfactants | ||
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