Cationic peptidopolysaccharides show excellent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and high selectivity

Abstract

Facilely synthesized cationic peptidopolysaccharides, which have a bacterial peptidoglycan-mimetic structure, show outstanding broad-spectrum activities against clinically significant bacteria and fungi and low mammalian cytotoxicity. Their structural affinity with microbial cell-wall constituents promotes penetration to reach the cytoplasmic membrane resulting in excellent antimicrobial activity and high selectivity.