Synthetic oligoureas of metaphenylenediamine mimic host defence peptides in their antimicrobial behaviour

Oligomeric ureas of m-phenylenediamine target anionic DMPG membranes and possess promise as antimicrobial agents. Their similar size, shape and hydrophobicity to helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may be important for activity to exist and the ability of these compounds to insert into a well ordered lipid environment.