Synthesis and characterization of carbohydrate-based biosurfactant mimetics

Glycolipid biosurfactants are of interest for various industry sectors. We report the synthesis and characterization of enantiopure poly-amido-saccharides (PASs) containing myristoyl (C14), palmitoyl (C16), or stearoyl (C18) terminal chain lengths as mimetics of glycolipid biosurfactants. These amphiphilic polymers are water soluble, adopt a helical secondary structure, decompose at temperatures greater than 240 degrees C, are non-cytotoxic, and self -assemble into nanostructures. Polymers containing the shorter hydrophilic chain lengths and the hydrophobic C14 chain exhibit the lowest surface tension among all polymers.

Automated summary

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of poly-amido-saccharides as mimetics of glycolipid biosurfactants, which have various applications in different industry sectors. These polymers exhibit water solubility, thermal stability, low surface tension, and have potential for nanostructure formation.