| abstract |
A cationic star polymer is disclosed of the general formula (1): n nwherein w′ is a positive number greater than or equal to 3, I′ is a dendritic polyester core covalently linked to w′ independent peripheral linear cationic polymer chains P′. Each of the chains P′ comprises a cationic repeat unit comprising i) a backbone functional group selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carbonates, aliphatic esters, aliphatic carbamates, aliphatic ureas, aliphatic thiocarbamates, aliphatic dithiocarbonates, and combinations thereof, and ii) a side chain comprising a quaternary amine group. The quaternary amine group comprises a divalent methylene group directly covalently linked to i) a positive charged nitrogen and ii) an aromatic ring. |