Ionic liquids in biomedical application

Abstract

Abstract Ionic liquid belongs to the class of organic salt with melting temperature, generally below 100\xa0°C. Those having melting point below room temperature are termed as room temperature ionic liquid. Throughout the last few decades, ionic liquids have drawn large attention to the scientists due to amazing tunable nature regarding their chemical structure and remarkable properties. Through the extensive research work on the structure and application of ionic liquids, newer generation of ionic liquid has arrived which showed excellent biological properties and proved to be efficient as a component in various drug delivery systems. This chapter deals with the biologically active ionic liquids, which are known as 3rd generation ionic liquid. Firstly, we discuss on the interaction of ionic liquids with important biological macromolecules. It is followed by the discussion on the application of ionic liquids in different biomedical domain like antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity and ionic liquid in drug delivery system or as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The potential of ionic liquid conjugates consisting protein or carbohydrates are also discussed. Finally, the polymeric form of ionic liquid is briefly highlighted with a view of future perspective.