Supramolecular surfactants: amphiphilic polymers designed to disrupt lipid membranes

摘要

An amphiphilic polymer, having the monomer unit structure A, B, C or D: ##STR1## wherein R is at least one H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl, k=1-4, m=4- 30, n=2-50 and x=2-500. ##STR2## wherein p and q are, independently, 0-22, and the sum of p and q is 4-22; ##STR3## wherein r and s are, independently, 0-22, and the sum of r and s is in the range 2-44, Ar is a divalent aromatic radical; and compounds in which the ester group in compounds A, B, C and D is replaced by an amide, urea, urethane, ether or carbonate. These compounds are useful for disrupting lipid membranes, as surfactants and dispersing agents and in the treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.