Functionally Substituted Chemical Organic Compounds: Potential Antimicrobial Substances

The development of resistance to antimicrobial agents is a global health problem for humans as well as animals. Over the past decade, the rate of microbial resistance to antibiotics has alarmingly increased. Factors contributing to this ever increasing antibiotic resistance pertain to microorganism as well as excessive and unwise use of the antibiotics. Biofilm formation and use of efflux pumps are the examples of microbial factors responsible for emergence of antimicrobial resistance. To ameliorate this condition, it is dire need of time to develop new antimicrobial agents. In this regard, chemical organic compounds are best available substances with potential antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes the antimicrobial activities of some important organic compounds as well as potential of functionally substituted chemical organic compounds as probable antimicrobial agents of future. These important organic compounds include functionally substituted derivatives of cyclohexane, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrazones, pyrazolone, triazole, thiones, isatin, indole, chalcones, quinoxaline, anthraquinones, coumarins, thiophenes, piperidine, benzoxazolinone, phthalazinone, sulfones, thiazole and volatile organic compounds.