Cationic amphiphiles based on diethanolamine esters with amino acids in the polar block

A series of new cationic amphiphiles based on diethanolamine esters with Gly, βAla, GABA, Lys, Orn amino acid residues in the hydrophilic block were prepared. The sample containing the Lys residue showed the best activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For model membranes comprising combinations of DOPC, DOPG and DOPE phospholipids, the sample can electrostatically bind to the surface of a bacterial cell and destroy it by formation of through defects.