We report a series of synthetic cationic amphipathic barbiturates inspired by the pharmacophore model of small antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the marine antimicrobials eusynstyelamides. These N,N′-dialkylated-5,5-disubstituted barbiturates consist of an achiral barbiturate scaffold with two cationic groups and two lipophilic side chains. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 2–8 μg/mL were achieved ...

A practical and efficient methodology for the preparation of 2-aminoethyl α,α-disubstituted β-amino amides in three steps from methyl cyanoacetate has been developed. The key step in the synthesis was the chemoselective reduction of the nitrile group in presence of an amide and aryl halide functionalities. Reduction with RANEY® Nickel catalyst, either with molecular hydrogen (8–10 bar) or under ...

Bioprospecting contributes to the discovery of new molecules with anticancer properties. Compounds with cytolytic activity and the ability to induce immunogenic cell death can be administered as intratumoral injections with the aim to activate anti-tumor immune responses by causing the release of tumor antigens as well as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cancer cells. In ...

The eradication of bacteria embedded in biofilms is among the most challenging obstacles in the management of chronic wounds. These biofilms are found in most chronic wounds; moreover, the biofilm-embedded bacteria are considerably less susceptible to conventional antimicrobial treatment than the planktonic bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides and their mimics are considered attractive candidates in the ...