Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimers for Targeting Cancer and Microbial Infections

Temporin SHa, isolated from the skin of Sahara frog Pelophylax saharicus, was identified as a potent inhibitor of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and protozoa, as well as anti-parasitic activity against promastigote and the intracellular stage (amastigote) of Leishmania infantum. Our group had previously synthesized potent anti-cancer linear analogs of temporin SHa. These analogs manifested antiproliferative action against cancerous as well normal cell lines. We developed the several branched analogs of previously synthesized potent analogs of temporin SHa. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and anticancer along with antimicrobial activity of dendrimers of temporin SHa, which include dimer [G10a]2-SHa, trimer [G10a]3-SHa and conjugate of dimer with the lipophilic polymer molecule JEFF-[G10a]2-SHa for the very first time. While the structural features of peptide dendrimers such as size, morphology, zeta potential, as well as antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy were also evaluated.