Amphiphilic branched polymers as antimicrobial agents.
Cationic amphiphilic polymers were prepared from PEI and functional ethylene carbonates bearing cationic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic groups. The polymers are designed to exhibit antimicrobial properties. In a one-step addition, different functional ethylene carbonates were added to react with the primary amine groups of PEI. The water soluble polymers were studied regarding their ability to form soluble aggregates. Their hydrodynamic radii, their inhibition potential against proliferation of E. coli and their hemolytic potential were determined. A structure-property relationship was established by analyzing the antimicrobial activity as a function of the ratio of alkyl to cationic groups, length of the alkyl chains, and molecular weight of the PEI.
Pasquier
Nicolas
N
DWI an der RWTH Aachen e.V., and Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 8, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
Keul
Helmut
H
Heine
Elisabeth
E
Moeller
Martin
M
Angelov
Borislav
B
Linser
Sebastian
S
Willumeit
Regine
R
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002254:Carbonates / Q000737:chemistry; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011073:Polyamines / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002254:Carbonates; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011094:Polyethyleneimine