Cationic amphiphile in phospholipid bilayer or oil-water interface of nanocarriers affects planktonic and biofilm bacteria killing

A cationic amphiphile, soyaethyl morpholinium ethosulfate (SME), immobilized in liposomes or nanoemulsions, was prepared in an attempt to compare the antibacterial activity between SME intercalated in the phospholipid bilayer and oil-water interface. The current study successfully demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of SME loaded in liposomes and nanoemulsions. The lipid-based nanodispersions not only eradicated the planktonic cells but also inhibited biofilm cells. SME immobilized in nanoparticles could adhere to the bacterial surface to disorganize the membrane structure and enhance the permeability, leading to cell death. The antibacterial activity of SME depended on the interfacial intercalation in the nanoparticulate surface.276