Antimicrobial potential of quaternary phosphonium salt compounds: a review

Given that mitochondrial dysregulation is a biomarker of many cancers, cationic quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS) conjugation is a widely utilized strategy for anticancer drug design. QPS-conjugated compounds exhibit greater cell permeation and accumulation in negatively charged mitochondria, and thus, show enhanced activity. Phylogenetic similarities between mitochondria and bacteria have provided a rationale for exploring the antibacterial properties of mitochondria-targeted compounds. Additionally, due to the importance of mitochondria in the survival of pathogenic microbes, including fungi and parasites, this strategy can be extended to these organisms as well. This review examines recent literature on the antimicrobial activities of various QPS-conjugated compounds and provides future directions for exploring the medicinal chemistry of these compounds. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Mitochondrial dysregulation is linked to many cancers, making cationic quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS) conjugation a popular strategy for anticancer drug design. QPS-conjugated compounds have improved cell permeability and accumulation in negatively charged mitochondria, leading to enhanced activity. This strategy can also be extended to antimicrobial research targeting pathogenic microbes such as fungi and parasites.