The antimicrobial properties of polycations are strongly affected by the structural features such as the backbone flexibility and topology (isomerism) through the polymer ability to attain proper conformation in interaction with the cell membrane. In this paper, a synthesis and biocidal properties evaluation of ionenes characterized by different backbone topology (isomerism) and flexibility are presented. The findings reveal influence of variation in topology on activity against different microorganisms, and general positive effect of improved flexibility. Furthermore, one of the obtained ionenes displays degradable properties in near physiological environment (phosphate‐buffered saline pH 7.4, 37 °C). The degradation proceeds via Hofmann elimination reaction and the products are not of acidic character. For the first time a new class of degradable ionenes with a high antimicrobial potential is presented.

中文翻译：

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亲水性季铵盐-骨架的柔韧性和拓扑结构是否对抗菌性能有影响？

聚阳离子的抗微生物特性受结构特征（例如骨架柔性和拓扑结构（异构））的强烈影响，这是由于聚合物具有与细胞膜相互作用获得适当构象的能力。本文介绍了以不同骨架结构（异构）和柔韧性为特征的紫罗烯的合成和杀菌性能评估。这些发现揭示了拓扑变化对针对不同微生物的活性的影响，以及提高灵活性的总体积极效果。此外，所获得的紫罗烯之一在近乎生理环境（磷酸盐缓冲盐水pH 7.4，37°C）下显示出可降解的特性。降解通过霍夫曼消除反应进行，产物不具有酸性。