Cationic Charge Research Articles

Use of quantum-chemical descriptors to analyse reaction rate constants between organic chemicals and superoxide/hydroperoxyl (O2•−/HO2•)

The reaction between superoxide (O2•−) and organic chemicals is of interest in many scientific disciplines including biology and synthetic chemistry, as well as for the evaluation of chemical fate in the environment. Due to limited data and lack of congeneric modelling, the involvement of superoxide in many complex processes cannot be adequately evaluated. In this study, we developed new quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models for the prediction of the aqueous-phase rate constant for the reaction between superoxide and a wide variety of organic chemicals reacting via one-electron oxidation, reduction and hydrogen-transfer. It is shown that the relative importance of these pathways is related to frontier molecular orbital (FMO) interaction and to pH. The class-specific QSPRs developed have good statistics (0.84 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.92). For non-congeneric chemicals it is demonstrated that the reactivity toward superoxide can be described by applying explicit descriptions for competition kinetics and speciation. Therefore, the relationships developed in this study are useful as a starting point to evaluate more complex molecules having, for example, multiple reactive functional groups, labile H bonds, or delocalised cationic charges. However, additional kinetic data and more rigorous computation are needed to evaluate such molecules.

Zwitterionic Design Principle of Nickel(II) Catalysts for Carbonylative Polymerization of Cyclic Ethers

AbstractZwitterionic structure is necessary for NiII complexes to catalyze carbonylative polymerization (COP) of cyclic ethers. The cationic charge at the NiII center imparts sufficient electrophilicity to the Ni–acyl bond for it to react with cyclic ethers to give an acyl‐cyclic ether oxonium intermediate, while the ligand‐centered anionic charge ensures that the resultant oxonium cation is ion‐paired with the Ni0 nucleophile. The current catalysts give non‐alternating copolymers of carbon monoxide and cyclic ethers and are the most effective when both ethylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran are present as the cyclic ether monomers.

Zwitterionic Design Principle of Nickel(II) Catalysts for Carbonylative Polymerization of Cyclic Ethers.

Zwitterionic structure is necessary for NiII complexes to catalyze carbonylative polymerization (COP) of cyclic ethers. The cationic charge at the NiII center imparts sufficient electrophilicity to the Ni-acyl bond for it to react with cyclic ethers to give an acyl-cyclic ether oxonium intermediate, while the ligand-centered anionic charge ensures that the resultant oxonium cation is ion-paired with the Ni0 nucleophile. The current catalysts give non-alternating copolymers of carbon monoxide and cyclic ethers and are the most effective when both ethylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran are present as the cyclic ether monomers.

Cationic Charges Leading to an Inverse Free-Energy Relationship for N-N Bond Formation by MnVI Nitrides.

MnV N Schiff-base complexes incorporating a Na+ (1Na), K+ (1K), Ba2+ (1Ba), or Sr2+ (1Sr) ion in the ligand framework are reported. The MnVI/V reduction potentials for 1Na, 1K, 1Ba, and 1Sr are 0.591, 0.616, 0.805, and 0.880 V vs. Fe(C5 H5 )2 +/0 , respectively, exhibiting significant positive shifts compared to a MnN Schiff-base complex in the same primary coordination environment but with no associated alkali or alkaline earth metal ion (A, E1/2 =0.427 V vs. Fe(C5 H5 )2 +/0 ). One-electron oxidation of the MnV N complexes results in bimolecular coupling to form N2 with rates (k2 ) at 20 °C of 2166, 684, 857, and 99.7, an 87 m-1 s-1 for A, 1Na, 1K, 1Ba, and 1Sr respectively, following an inverse linear free energy relationship. Thus, increasing charge through proximal cations results in MnVI N complexes that are both more oxidizing and more stable to bimolecular coupling, a trend diametrically opposed to when complexes were modified by ligand substituents through inductive effects.

Cationic Charges Leading to an Inverse Free‐Energy Relationship for N−N Bond Formation by MnVI Nitrides

AbstractMnVN Schiff‐base complexes incorporating a Na+ (1Na), K+ (1K), Ba2+ (1Ba), or Sr2+ (1Sr) ion in the ligand framework are reported. The MnVI/V reduction potentials for 1Na, 1K, 1Ba, and 1Sr are 0.591, 0.616, 0.805, and 0.880 V vs. Fe(C5H5)2+/0, respectively, exhibiting significant positive shifts compared to a MnN Schiff‐base complex in the same primary coordination environment but with no associated alkali or alkaline earth metal ion (A, E1/2=0.427 V vs. Fe(C5H5)2+/0). One‐electron oxidation of the MnVN complexes results in bimolecular coupling to form N2 with rates (k2) at 20 °C of 2166, 684, 857, and 99.7, an 87 m−1 s−1 for A, 1Na, 1K, 1Ba, and 1Sr respectively, following an inverse linear free energy relationship. Thus, increasing charge through proximal cations results in MnVIN complexes that are both more oxidizing and more stable to bimolecular coupling, a trend diametrically opposed to when complexes were modified by ligand substituents through inductive effects.

Bioreducible Polyspermine-Based Gene Carriers for Efficient siRNA Delivery: Effects of PEG Conjugation on Gene Silencing Efficiency

A polyspermine-derived bioreducible polymer was synthesized as efficient siRNA carriers. Spermine was polymerized using disulfide-bearing cross-linkers, resulting in poly(disulfide spermine) (PDS). PDS was also conjugated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to tailor siRNA condensation efficiency of the polymer. PEG-conjugated PDS (PEG-PDS) was able to condense siRNA into nano-sized polyplexes at high N/P ratios. siRNA condensation efficiency of PDS was reduced by PEGylation due to its weakened interaction with siRNA caused by its decreased cationic charge density. An ethidium bromide exclusion assay demonstrated that siRNA was more efficiently released from the less stable PEG-PDS polyplexes compared to stable PDS polyplexes. In addition, bioreducible siRNA/PEG-PDS polyplexes were efficiently disassembled in the reductive conditions, leading to facilitated siRNA release into the cytoplasm. The lowered siRNA condensation but efficient cytoplasmic release of siRNA by PEG-PDS induced higher gene silencing efficiency in comparison with PDS. Moreover, PEG-PDS exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to PDS and non-biodegradable branched polyethylenimine. These results suggest that siRNA delivery efficiency of cationic gene carriers can be improved by tailoring their siRNA complexation through PEG conjugation. This study demonstrates that bioreducible PEG-PDS is a promising candidate for safe and efficient siRNA delivery.

Polyhedral octasilsesquioxanes labelled with the photosensitive cationic phenosafranin dye as a new nanocarrier for therapy and cellular imaging

New fluorescent nanocarriers based on the POSS (polyhedral octasilsesquioxanes) nanocage labelled with the photosensitive cationic phenosafranin dye (PSF) provide a useful means for in vitro imaging. In this study, a simply reaction for preparing biocompatible POSS-PSF nanohybrids was successfully developed using a coupling (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride) agent in a one-step reaction between the amino group of dye molecules and anhydride residues of POSS. The first time are reported fluorescent nanodots as a unique POSS-PSF nanostructure easily transferable by cellular pores due to their cationic charges, which are new intercalative DNA agents useful in anticancer therapies and cellular imaging.

Resolving the complexity of ACS7-PP2C protein complex formation and its impact on ethylene biosynthesis

Synthetic polymers play a major role in drug delivery in vitro and in vivo. We report the bindings of biogenic polyamines, spermine (spm), and spermidine (spmd), and their synthetic analogues, 3,7,11,15-tetrazaheptadecane⋅4HCl (BE-333) and 3,7,11,15,19-pentazahenicosane⋅5HCl (BE-3333) with poly(ethylene glycol) PEG-3000, PEG-8000 and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) anthracene (PEG-anthracene). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopic were used to analyze polyamine binding mode, the binding constant and the effect of PEG compositions on polyamine–polymer interaction. Structural analysis showed that polyamines bind PEG through hydrophobic and hydrophilic contacts with overall binding constants of Kspm-PEG-3000 = 3.1 × 104 M−1, Kspmd-PEG-3000 = 5.5 × 104 M−1, KBE-333-PEG-3000 = 2.5 × 104 M−1, KBE-3333-PEG-3000 = 1.5 × 105 M−1, Kspm-PEG-8000 = 4.1 × 105 M−1, Kspmd-PEG-8000 = 7.5 × 105 M−1, KBE-333-PEG-8000 = 4.5 × 104 M−1, KBE-3333-PEG-8000 = 2.2 × 105 M−1, Kspm-mPEG-ant = 6.5 × 105 M−1, Kspmd-mPEG-ant = 1.1 × 106 M−1, KBE-333-mPEG-ant = 2.2 × 105 M−1 and KBE-3333-mPEG-ant = 6.9 × 104 M−1. The number of binding sites (n) occupied by polyamines were from 0.2 to 0.5. Biogenic polyamines showed stronger affinity toward polymer complexation than synthetic polyamines, while weaker interaction was observed as polyamine cationic charges increased. Our results suggest that PEG and its derivative can act as carriers for delivering antitumor polyamine analogues to target tissues.

Magnetic quaternary chitosan hybrid nanoparticles for the efficient uptake of diclofenac from water

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the environment and the water cycle, even at trace levels, has been a matter of great discussion in the literature in the recent years. Despite the clinical relevance of diclofenac (DCF), several studies indicate that it is one of the most frequently detected anti-inflammatory drugs in surface waters, with potential harmful impact on environment and human health. Herein, novel magnetic hybrid nanosorbents composed of magnetite cores encapsulated within a siliceous network highly enriched in a quaternary chitosan (HTCC) were successfully prepared and tested in magnetically assisted removal of sodium diclofenac from aqueous solutions. The DCF adsorption by the produced core–shell nanoparticles was assessed based on several experimental parameters. It was found that under optimal conditions, the modelling of the equilibrium data was best fit with Langmuir and Toth models where the maximum adsorption capacity of DCF was 240.4 mg/g. These results indicate that these hybrid biosorbents are among the most effective magnetic systems for the removal of this pharmaceutical from water. Through the strategy proposed in this work, novel hybrid magnetic nanoparticles containing a cationic surface charge in a broad pH range, from acidic to neutral pH values, is reported. Therefore, these materials may provide a new way of removing a wider class of other anionic contaminants from water.

In situ temperature effect on spectral downshifting emission on Er3+ doped-Sr2CeO4 photoluminecent materials

In this work, the Er3+-doped Sr2CeO4 phosphors are reported, synthesized through a facile combustion method using citric acid as organic precursor, Ag+ as a cationic charge compensator and as a stabilizer of the photoluminescent phase of interest. FTIR, XRD and SEM results indicate the formation of the Sr2CeO4 with a high purity of phase obtained by this methodology. The spectral downshifting properties of the materials were investigated exciting the materials at UV-region. Emission spectra present a broad band emission positioned at 467 nm assigned to the cerate inorganic material phase and Er3+ emission bands at 525, 550 and 667 nm, attributed to the Er3+ transitions 2H11/2 → 4I15/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2, respectively. The excited state of the Sr2CeO4 and 4S3/2 phases of Er3+ was shown to be directly dependent on the Er3+ concentration. The observed behavior indicates a direct relation of the photoluminescence between the matrix and the Er3+.The mechanism of energy transfer is proposed and presented in this work. The influence of the in situ heating on the photoluminescence properties of the materials was also investigated. The results reveal that these down converter Er3+ materials have potential for thermometric applications.

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)-Based Cationic Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte/Porphyrin for Efficient Energy Transfer and Multiamplified Antimicrobial Activity.

Cationic quaternary ammonium (QA) groups and reactive oxygen species as two main approaches for antibacterial study have been intensively studied. Herein, we report a multifunctional antimicrobial agent (porphyrin-POSS-OPVE, PPO), which combines bacterial membrane intercalation, high density of local QA groups, efficient energy transfer, significantly reduced aggregation, and high water solubility into one single molecule. The light-harvesting PPO contains multiple donor-absorbing arms (oligo( p-phenylenevinylene) electrolytes, OPVEs) on its globular periphery and a central porphyrin acceptor in the core by using three-dimensional nanocages (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, POSSs) as bridges. The antiaggregation ability of POSS and the highly efficient energy transfer from multiple OPVE arms to porphyrin could greatly amplify singlet oxygen generation in PPO. Particularly, OPVEs with QA terminal chains were able to intercalate into Escherichia coli membranes, which facilitated 1O2 diffusion and bacterial cell membrane disintegration by QA groups. The increased local cationic QA charges in OPVE arms can also enhance the biocidal activity of PPO. Benefiting from these satisfactory features, PPO exhibits multiamplified antibacterial efficacy under a very low concentration level and white light dose (400-700 nm, 6 mW·cm-2, 5 min, 1.8 J·cm-2) to Escherichia coli (8 μM) and Staphylococcus aureus (500 nM). Therefore, PPO shows great potential for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy at a much lower irradiation light dose and photosensitizer concentration level compared to previous reports.

Drug-fortified liposomes as carriers for sustained release of NSAIDs: The concept and its validation in the animal model for the treatment of arthritis

Drug-fortified cationic liposomes of 6‑methoxy‑2‑naphthylacetic acid (6‑MNA) were prepared and characterized by various techniques. The residence time of drug-fortified liposomes in joint cavity was evaluated by intra-articular (IA) administration of the radio-labeled (99mTc) liposomal formulation in the inflamed joints in rats. The cationic liposomal formulation composed of 6‑MNA (3) as an active agent, its double salt (4) with the lipid 1,2‑distearoyl‑sn‑glycero‑3‑phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as hydrogenated soyabean phospatidylcholine (HSPC) and 1,2‑dioleyloxy‑3‑trimethylammoniumpropane chloride (DOTAP) were developed using thin film hydration technique. The cryo-TEM analysis confirmed that the prepared optimized liposomal formulation (DFL-2) was a mixture of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). In addition, the TEM analysis confirmed that the prepared liposomes were of spherical in shape having liposome size in the range of 500–900 nm and zeta potential of about +30 mV. The developed cationic liposomes exhibited sustained release profile of payload of 6‑MNA for over >12 h and about five times higher retention in the inflamed animal joints after 24 h (by scintigraphy of the joints) as compared to the plain 6‑MNA solution when administered by IA route. The anti-inflammatory activity of prepared liposomal composition is evaluated by Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic model in rats. The liposomal formulation was well tolerated by all animals indicating good biocompatibility. Further, the cationic liposomal formulation treated group showed decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in comparison to the control and the standard groups in the in vivo study. The improved efficacy of the drug-fortified liposomal formulation was due to the coupled effect of longer retention and sustained release of the active drug 6‑MNA in the joints. From the obtained results it could be concluded that the combined effect of the cationic charge on the drug-fortified liposomes and the inherent affinity of the active agent towards the synovial joint tissues, coupled with slow release of the active drug due to double salt approach at the site of administration could potentially decrease the frequency of IA drug administration. Hence such a formulation could prove to be a therapeutic boon for the management of late stage arthritis.

Antimicrobial 1,3,4-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazolium salts

A series of 1,3,4-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazolium bromide salts were prepared by efficient two-step sequences of azide-alkyne cycloaddition and benzylic substitution. The antimicrobial activity of each triazolium salt and correlating triazole precursor was evaluated using a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. MIC activities as low as 1 µM against Gram-positive bacteria, 8 µM against Gram-negative bacteria and 4 µM against fungi were observed for salt analogs, while neutral triazoles were inactive. Analogs representing selective and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity were each identified. MIC structure-activity relationships observed within this motif indicate that the presence of cationic charge and balance of overall hydrophobicity are strongly impactful, while benzyl vs. aryl substituent identity and variation of substituent regiochemistry are not.

Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Tissue Disposition of Zwitterionic Hydroxyiminoacetamido Alkylamines as Reactivating Antidotes for Organophosphate Exposure.

In the development of antidotal therapy for treatment of organophosphate exposure from pesticides used in agriculture and nerve agents insidiously employed in terrorism, the alkylpyridinium aldoximes have received primary attention since their early development by I. B. Wilson in the 1950s. Yet these agents, by virtue of their quaternary structure, are limited in rates of crossing the blood-brain barrier, and they require administration parenterally to achieve full distribution in the body. Oximes lacking cationic charges or presenting a tertiary amine have been considered as alternatives. Herein, we examine the pharmacokinetic properties of a lead ionizable, zwitterionic hydroxyiminoacetamido alkylamine in mice to develop a framework for studying these agents in vivo and generate sufficient data for their consideration as appropriate antidotes for humans. Consequently, in vitro and in vivo efficacies of immediate structural congeners were explored as leads or backups for animal studies. We compared oral and parenteral dosing, and we developed an intramuscular loading and oral maintenance dosing scheme in mice. Steady-state plasma and brain levels of the antidote were achieved with sequential administrations out to 10 hours, with brain levels exceeding plasma levels shortly after administration. Moreover, the zwitterionic oxime showed substantial protection after gavage, whereas the classic methylpyridinium aldoxime (2-pyridinealdoxime methiodide) was without evident protection. Although further studies in other animal species are necessary, ionizing zwitterionic aldoximes present viable alternatives to existing antidotes for prophylaxis and treatment of large numbers of individuals in terrorist-led events with nerve agent organophosphates, such as sarin, and in organophosphate pesticide exposure.

Fluorine as a Traceless Directing Group for the Regiodivergent Synthesis of Indoles and Tryptophans.

Despite ample evidence for the unique reactivity offered by hypervalent F-iodanes, mechanistic investigations fall far behind. In order to shed light on the unusual behavior of such F-reagents, we conducted computational and experimental studies on the chemodivergent transformation of styrenes. We identified the spirocyclic F-cyclopropane as the common intermediate for both the C, H-fluorination and C, H-amination pathways. The fate of this key compound is determined by the extent of cationic charge delocalization controlled by the N-substituents. Exploiting this phenomenon, a multitude of different transformations have become available, leading, i.e., to the regiodivergent synthesis of indoles and tryptophans.

Residence time and uptake of porous and cationic maltodextrin-based nanoparticles in the nasal mucosa: Comparison with anionic and cationic nanoparticles

Different types of biodegradable nanoparticles (NP) have been studied as nasal mucosa cell delivery systems. These nanoparticles need to strongly interact with mucosa cells to deliver their payload. However, only a few simultaneous comparisons have been made and it is therefore difficult to determine the best candidate. Here we compared 5 types of nanoparticles with different surface charge (anionic or cationic) and various inner compositions as potential vectors: cationic and anionic liposomes, cationic and anionic PLGA (Poly Lactic co-Glycolic Acid) NP and porous and cationic maltodextrin NP (cationic surface with an anionic lipid core: NPL). We first quantified their nasal residence time after nasal administration in mice using in vivo live imaging and NPL showed the longest residence time. In vitro endocytosis on mucosal cells (airway epithelial cells, macrophages and dendritic cells) using labeled nanoparticles were performed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Among the 5 nanoparticles, NPL were taken up to the greatest extent by the 3 different cell lines and the endocytosis mechanisms were characterized. Taken together, we observed that the nanoparticles’ cationic surface charge is insufficient to improve mucosal residence time and cellular uptake and that the NPL are the best candidates to interact with airway mucosal cells.

Evaluation of the Bactericidal and Fungicidal Activities of Poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl Ammonium Chloride)(Poly (METAC))-Based Materials.

Poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium chloride) (METAC) and the gels were prepared and evaluated for their bactericidal and fungicidal activities. The antimicrobial properties of poly(METAC) were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sa. cerevisiae), methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Moreover, the structural forms of the linear and cross-linked poly(METAC) were investigated for their influences on bacterial aggregation, precipitation, and cell-death. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the comparison of the antimicrobial properties of poly(METAC) and poly(METAC)-gels. The bactericidal and fungicidal activities were evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence and confocal microscopies. The MICs were found to be 123 (MSSA), 123 (MRSA), 123 (P. aeruginosa), 370 (E. coli), 123 (B. subtilis), 370 (C. albicans), and 370 μg/mL (Sa. cerevisiae), as determined by broth dilution, and 370 (MSSA), 370 (MRSA), 370 (P. aeruginosa), 3300 (E. coli), 370 (B. subtilis), 1100 (C. albicans), and >10,000 μg/mL (Sa. cerevisiae), as determined by paper disc diffusion (on solid medium). The poly(METAC)-gels achieved rapid adsorption/precipitation of bacteria via the cationic surface charge. Thus, these poly(METAC)-based polymers can potentially be used as antibacterial materials.

Investigation on the pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism of MnO2 in various electrolytes by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM)

A manganese dioxide (MnO2) film is electrodeposited onto a gold-coated quartz crystal electrode by a galvanostatic method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image shows that the electrodeposited MnO2 film consists of nanorods with diameters of 15–20 nm. The cyclic voltammetric (CV) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) results demonstrate that the MnO2 electrodes exhibit similar specific capacitance (SC) and mass-to-charge ratios (MCR) in those electrolytes that contain the same cation but different anions. However, the SC and MCR are different in those electrolytes that contain the same anion but different cations. The SC of MnO2 electrodes increases with a decrease of the cationic radius and an increase of the cationic charge. The smaller the cationic radius, the smaller the deviation of the MCR from the equivalent weight (EW) of the cation. The results illustrate that the pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism of MnO2 involves the cation in the electrolyte and its intercalation/deintercalation, which are affected by the charge number and the cationic radius. This work offers a theoretical basis for selecting suitable electrolytes to couple MnO2-based electrodes in supercapacitors.

Transformation of [EMIm][BPB] into a Cationic Luminescent Ln‐Coordination Polymer with the Bis(phthalato)borate Anion

Starting from phthalic acid and Na[BH4], the low‐melting salt [EMIm+][BPB] [EMIm+ = 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium; BPB– = bis(phthalato)borate] was synthesized and further reacted with Tb(NO3)3·6H2O to yield the one‐dimensional coordination polymer 1∞[Tb(o‐HBDC)(H2O)6][BPB]2. Product formation is a result of the formation of the ortho‐phthalato mono acid (o‐HBDC) from [BPB]– anions in the process and leads to linkage of adjacent Tb3+ ions resulting in the cationic strand 1∞[Tb(o‐HBDC)]2+. The cationic charge of the coordination polymer is compensated by the [BPB]– anions in the crystal structure. Furthermore, the one‐dimensional coordination polymer 1∞[Tb(o‐HBDC)(H2O)6][BPB]2 shows characteristic luminescence based on the 4f–4f transitions of the Tb3+ ions upon excitation with UV light.

Bifunctionally engineered polyethylenimines as efficient DNA carriers and antibacterials against resistant pathogens.

In this study, we have designed and developed two series of bifunctional conjugates by tethering polyethylenimine with streptomycin. By varying the amount of streptomycin, conjugates, polyethylenimine-streptomycin, have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. Gel electrophoresis assay revealed a slight decrease in the cationic charge density on the conjugates as these retarded the mobility of pDNA at higher w/w ratios. Further, transfection studies showed that both the series of conjugates transfected the mammalian cells efficiently with low-molecular weight polyethylenimine-streptomycin conjugates were more competent (∼9-fold enhancement with respect to native bPEI) exhibiting high cell viability too. Besides, both the series of conjugates displayed excellent antibacterial activity on pathogenic bacteria, even better than native streptomycin on resistant strains. Altogether, these results ensure the promising potential of the projected bifunctional conjugates as safe and efficient gene delivery vectors as well as antibacterials for future biomedical applications.