Impact of Cationic and Neutral Gemini Surfactants on Conidia and Hyphal Forms of Aspergillus brasiliensis

This study investigates the biological activity of two cationic gemini surfactants, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) C6 and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) C5, and their two neutral analogs, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A6) and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A5). Experiments were performed with Aspergillus brasiliensis, which is used in the standard tests for biocides. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for conidia and mycelium were determined using the dilution method. The viability of the conidia was evaluated using the plate count method. The dry mass of the mycelium was determined using the thermogravimetric method. Ergosterol was extracted from the mycelium and evaluated by gas chromatography. The effect of gemini surfactants on fungal morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Cationic gemini surfactants were found to be active at lower concentrations compared to their non-ionic analogues, rapidly reducing the total number of conidia that were able to grow. They also decreased both the ergosterol content in the mycelium and its dry weight. These results suggest that cationic gemini surfactants C6 and C5 could have a wide range of practical applications as active compounds. However, it should be remembered that usage at too low concentrations, below the MIC, will only lead to short-term disturbances in the development of conidia and mycelium.