Synthesis and Properties of Novel Antifungal Gemini Compounds Derived from N-Acetyl Diethanolamines

A series of new N-acetylated non-ionic and cationic gemini surfactants (3a–f) having dimeric structures derived from primary and tertiary amines with variably long tails (C8–C12–C18) were synthesized. In addition, N-acetylated monomeric analogues 6aand 6bwere prepared and their antifungal potency and surface properties were also determined. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness of surface tension reduction (?CMC), surface excess concentration (G), and area per molecule at the interface (A) were also determined and the resulting values indicate that the cationic series is characterized by good surface-active and self-aggregation properties. For the first time, all surfactants were tested to evaluate their antifungal properties using the method for the broth macrodilution test (M27-A2, NCCLS). Four microbial strains were used to perform the study: Candida parapsilosis(ATCC 22019), C. albicans(ATCC 64548), and a wild-type strain of C. parasilosisand Saccharomyces cerevisiae(ATCC 9763). The antimicrobial activity was measured by yeast growth inhibition expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Results were compared to those obtained for their monomeric analogues and for a commercially available reference compound (Fluconazole). Gemini 3b, 3eand 3fwere found to be the most potent compounds. The results show S. cerevisiaeas the most sensitive strain. In contrast, the wild strain of C. parapsilosiswas resistant.