[en] Aromatic glycolipids are of both medical as well as pharmaceutical interest. Antimicrobial, antiviraland antiinflammatory activities have been reported (Otto, 2000, Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic). Moreover, they are expected to have interesting antioxidant properties when they contain phenolic groups. The alkyl chain should enhance their ability to penetrate into the cellular membrane (Nicolosi, 2002, Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic). The presence of a sugar unit could also be useful to target specific cells.
In this study, novel aromatic glycolipids were synthesized as useful models for studying the structure–activity relationship, in particular as regards to their aromatic group.Theireffect on cell viability when an oxidative stress is induced was tested. In parallel, their interaction with cell models (liposomes) was studied through membrane fusion and permeability experiments.
