Preparation of eco-friendly antifungals derived of N-acetylated gemini surfactants for use in the chrome tanning processes of skins and hides

Abstract

The aim of this work was to compare two novel antifungal agents with 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)-benzothiazole (TCMTB). For this study, two gemini surfactants (3b and 3e) were efficiently synthesized and formulated. The antifungal potency of these compounds was tested and their effectiveness as leather preservatives during the chrome-tanning process was assessed using the environmental chamber test (ASTMD 3273-00 Standard) and wet-blue hides on a plate with culture medium (ASTM D 4576-08 Standard). Two strains were used to perform the study: Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275 and Penicillum citrinum ATCC 9849 3b and 3e showed the ability to preserve hides because of their antifungal activity present in chromium tanning specimens. Compound 3e was foundto be a more potent antifungal than compound 3b, but not as potent as TCMTB. This cationic gemini compound (3e) was less toxic than TCMTB for Daphnia magna as a biological model. This work is the result of a patent of invention registered in the patent offices from Argentina.