Biological Potential and Physicochemical Properties of Ionic Liquids Bioinspired by Carboxylic Acids: A Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Ionic liquids (ILs) derived from bioactive compounds have emerged as a versatile and highly tunable platform for designing novel functional materials with biomedical applications. Many of these systems incorporate naturally occurring carboxylate anions of relevance to medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine, which has intensified interest in this family of bioinspired ILs. This review focuses on ILs derived from carboxylic acids of natural origin, including fatty acids, phenolic acids, and hydroxy acids, and highlights recent advances in their design, bioactivity, and physicochemical characterization, with particular emphasis on systems based on biocompatible components. Additionally, it addresses synthetic strategies, toxicological aspects, and biological potential. Key physicochemical properties discussed include thermal stability, glass transition temperatures, melting and crystallization points, viscosity, density, solubility, refractive index, polarity, and amphiphilic behavior.
Source: Pharmaceuticals
DOI: 10.3390/ph19040570
Authors: Carmen Terán, Marta María Mato, Pedro Besada
Institution: Universidade de Vigo
Language: English
Subfield: Catalysis
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7148484135