A bisphenolic honokiol analog outcompetes oral antimicrobial agent cetylpyridinium chloride via a membrane-associated mechanism.

Targeting Streptococcus mutans is the primary focus in reducing dental caries, one of the most common maladies in the world. Previously, our groups discovered a potent bactericidal biaryl compound that was inspired by the natural product honokiol. Herein, a structure activity relationship (SAR) study to ascertain structural motifs key to inhibition is outlined. Furthermore, mechanism studies show that bacterial membrane disruption is central to the bacterial growth inhibition. During this process it was discovered that analog C2 demonstrated a 4-fold better therapeutic index compared to the commercially available antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) making it a viable alternative for oral care.