Adaptive Synthesis, Supramolecular Behavior, and Biological Properties of Amphiphilic Carbosilane-Phosphonium Dendrons with Tunable Structure

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Dec 9;25(12):7799-7813. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01092. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Abstract

Here, we present a modular synthesis as well as physicochemical and biological evaluation of a new series of amphiphilic dendrons carrying triphenylphosphonium groups at their periphery. Within the series, the size and mutual balance of lipophilic and hydrophilic domains are systematically varied, changing the dendron shape from cylindrical to conical. In physiological solution, the dendrons exhibit very low critical micelle concentrations (2.6-4.9 μM) and form stable and uniform micelles 6-12 nm in diameter, depending on dendron shape; the results correlate well with molecular dynamics simulations. The compounds show relatively high cytotoxicity (IC50 1.2-21.0 μM) associated with micelle formation and inversely related to the size of assembled particles. Depending on their shape, the dendrons show promising results in terms of dendriplex formation and antibacterial activity. In addition to simple amphiphilic dendrons, a fluorescently labeled analogue was also prepared and utilized as an additive visualizing the dendron's cellular uptake.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Dendrimers* / chemical synthesis
  • Dendrimers* / chemistry
  • Dendrimers* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Micelles*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Organophosphorus Compounds* / chemistry
  • Silanes / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • carbosilane
  • Micelles
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Silanes
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents