Synthesis of new imidazole-based ionic liquids with antifungal activity against Candida albicans .

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Candida albicans cause a problematic condition in immunocompromised patients that could not be treated quickly due to the resistant behavior of microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel ionic liquid (IL) as a new drug on C. albicans strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven newly binary ionic liquids mixtures were synthesized, and among them, ([prollinium chloride] [1-methylimidazolium 3-sulfonate] ([pro-HCl][MImS]) was selected and characterized by 1HNMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR methods. Samples from patients (n=50) with candidiasis were collected and identified through culture media. ERG11 gene overexpression was related to resistance against azole-bearing drugs. The antibiogram, well diffusion assay, MICs, and MFCs tests were operated. PCR and Real-time evaluated the expression of the ERG11 gene, and the rate of cell death was detected using Flow Cytometry.

RESULTS: Our data manifested that this novel IL (Ionic Liquid) can inhibit C. albican 's growth, reduce the expression of ERG11 and increase dead cells.

CONCLUSION: The newly synthesized IL had an inhibiting effect on the growth of the C. albicans strains and may be used as an alternative candidate for novel drug design.