Relationship between structure and antiplaque and antimicrobial activities for a series of bispyridines.

A series of bispyridines were examined for their bactericidal activities against in vitro, preformed, pure-culture plaques of selected oral plaque-forming bacteria. The antimicrobial activities of these agents were examined in relation to their molecular configurations. These studies demonstrated that the length of the interpyridine polymethylene group bridge and the length of the alkyl side chain were important determinants of antiplaque and antimicrobial efficacy. The most potent compounds of the bispyridine series were studied to determine the minimal conditions (concentration, duration, and frequency) of treatment required for likely clinical efficacy.