Synthesis and Properties of a New Class of Potential Biomedical Polymers

Both low molecular weight compounds and some polyelectrolytes containing quaternary nitrogen atoms in their structure have been known for some time to possess important biological activity. Aliphatic ammonium compounds are used as bacteriocides and muscle relaxants, and quinolinium compounds have recently been found to be excellent antileukemic agents. In addition, a considerable amount of evidence has been accumulated to show that organic ammonium salts combine with heparin, and the resulting complex may be used as a coating to render polymers blood-compatible. However, the introduction of ammonium groups into the backbone of a polymer exhibiting good mechanical properties offers certain advantages.