Investigation of potential antibacterial mechanism of action of 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride (antimic)

DNA is the most important genetic material as it is responsible for all biological and physiological functions. In order to DNA to be replicated again, a group of enzymes called topoisomerase are needed. These enzymes regulate DNA topology by opening and recombining DNA strands and are important for processes like DNA replication, transcription, recombination and repair. By inhibition of topoisomerases, the ligation step of the cell cycle is blocked, the integrity of the genome is impaired, and the single and double stranded breaks occur which lead to apoptosis in the cell. For this reason, topoisomerase enzymes are very important targets for the discovery and development of new antibacterial agents. In this study, DNA nuclease activity, DNA gyrase, topoisomerase I and IV inhibition effect of the compound were investigated to elucidate the possible antibacterial action mechanism of trimethoxysilyl propyl octadecyl ammonium chloride (TPOAC), the active ingredient of the product called Antimic®. DNA cleavage and topoisomerase inhibition studies were carried out using agarose gel electrophoresis method. As a result of DNA nuclease studies, it was found that the compound showed DNA nuclease activity depending on the concentration and time. In addition, it was determined that the compound exerts inhibitory effect on topoisomerase I, IV and DNA gyrase enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, as a result of in vitro MTT cytotoxicity studies carried out considering that the compound has the potential to be developed as a human and/or veterinary drug suitable for topical use, it was observed that the compound caused cell death in a concentration dependent manner.