Antimicrobial and anti-plaque activity of N'-alkyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine against dental plaque bacteria.

Five N'-alkyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)piperidines were synthesized and their in vitro antimicrobial activities were tested against four micro-organisms related to dental caries (Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, Actinomyces viscosus, and A. naeslundii) which are known to be implicated in dental caries. The tetradecyl and hexadecyl derivatives possessed good bacteriostatic activity. Some derivatives exhibited a rapid bactericidal effect against S. mutans and S. sobrinus in aqueous solution. These compounds also possessed surfactant properties and anti-plaque activity.