Chemoenzymatic synthesis and characterization of a new type of carbohydrate-based cationic antimicrobial agents

A simple chemoenzymatic synthesis providing 6-O-monoesters of 3-(trimethylammonio)propyl -glucopyranoside in high yields is described. These new compounds are very effective cationic surfactants exhibiting both antibacterial and antifungal activity and have a good compatibility with anionic surfactants.