The effectiveness of newly synthesized quaternary ammonium salts differing in chain length and type of counterion against priority human pathogens.

Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) commonly occur as active substances in disinfectants. QAS have the important property of coating abiotic surfaces, which prevents adhesion of microorganisms, thus inhibiting biofilm formation. In this study, a group of nine monomeric QAS, differing in the structure and length of the aliphatic chain (C12, C14, C16) and the counterion (methylcarbonate, acetate, bromide), were investigated.