Synthesis, self-aggregation and bioactivity properties of a cationic aminoacyl surfactant, based on a new class of highly functionalized nucleolipids.

Abstract A highly functionalized aminoacyl nucleolipid based on uridine is here proposed as a novel cationic surfactant. To achieve this, a straightforward, high yielding and versatile protocol has been devised, in principle providing synthetic access to a variety of different, related analogs. Self-aggregation properties of this nucleolipid were determined by using a combined approach, including surface tension, conductivity and DLS measurements. Above the critical micellar concentration of 4 × 10 −5  mol kg −1 , large supramolecular assemblies with a counterion condensation degree of 0.25 were observed. The bioactivity profile of this new compound was investigated on cancer and non cancer cell lines.