Cationic alkyl chain length and nanoaggregate form of ionic liquids dominate biocompatibility and toxicity.

ABSTRACT: While ionic liquids (ILs) have diverse applications, their potential in biomedical applications remains largely untapped due to gaps in systematic understanding of the spectrum of IL biosafety (biocompatibility/toxicity). Here, we establish an IL library and identify an in vitro reduction in biocompatibility (increased toxicity) with increased ILs' cationic alkyl chain length. Particularly, we present compelling evidence for IL nanoaggregates in aqueous environment, thereby elucidating the mechanisms involved in cell interactions. ILs with short cationic alkyl chains (scILs) are restricted in intracellular vesicles, whereas ILs with long cationic alkyl chains (lcILs) accumulate to the mitochondria for inducing mitophagy and apoptosis. The occurrence of dysfunctional behaviour in lcILs is a

SUBMITTER: Xing Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12304108 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature