Environmental toxicity and biodegradability of ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) have garnered great interest as effective and environment-friendly solvents. Moreover, ILs exhibit a broad range of chemical properties, and also can be toxic in nature. Therefore it is necessary to explore and develop an understanding of the associated components causing their biological effects and cytotoxicity. The comprehensive biophysical analysis of membrane interactions shows that ILs display different side chains and cationic headgroups, and also reveals differences between their bilayer binding. Indeed, as the examined ILs exhibit varying degrees of biological activities and cytotoxicities, this chapter highlights membrane interactions as a possible important factor in determining the biological differences between these compounds, and provides a thorough analysis of the membrane interactions of several ILs exhibiting diverse structural and biological properties. The chapter also reviews and reveals the distinct differences among the compounds and their effects upon lipid bilayers. It also highlights the relationship between the extent of membrane disruption/permeation and the biological activities of ILs. Overall, the chapter provides an important insight into the molecular factors contributing to IL activity and should help in the design of future research into ILs for sustainable development.