Supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles inhibit biofilm formation by the critical pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans

In 2019, 4.95 million deaths were directly attributed to antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections globally. In addition, the mortality associated with fungal infections is estimated at 1.7 million annually, with many of these deaths attributed to species that are no longer susceptible to traditional therapeutic regimes. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a novel class of supramolecular self-associating amphiphilic (SSA) salts as antimicrobial agents against the critical pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. We also identify preliminary structure activity relationships for this class of compound that will aid the development of next-generation SSAs demonstrating enhanced antibiofilm activity. To gain insight into the possible mode of action for these agents, a series of microscopy studies were performed, taking advantage of the intrinsic fluorescent nature of benzothiazole substituted SSAs. Analysis of these data showed that the SSAs interact with the cell surface and that a benzothiazole containing SSA inhibits hyphal formation by C. albicans.