Design, synthesis and characterization of cationic peptide and steroid antibiotics

Novel cationic antibiotics have been developed to mimic the cationic, facial amphiphilic structures of naturally occurring peptide antibiotics, Several series of designed peptide antibiotics have been reported, as well as examples based on beta-peptides and steroids. The antibacterial activities of these compounds are derived from the disruption and/or permeabilization of bacterial membranes, and many display potent antibacterial activity and selectivity for bacterial cells. These antibiotics may prove valuable in combating bacterial infections, especially those from drug-resistant organisms.