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

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.

Seven newly binary ionic liquids mixtures were synthesized, and among them, ([prollinium chlo- ride] [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.

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

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.