Synthesis of structural analogues of hexadecylphosphocholine and their antineoplastic, antimicrobial and amoebicidal activity

Abstract Twelve derivatives of hexadecylphosphocholine (miltefosine) were synthesized to determine how the position and length of the alkyl chain within the molecule influence their biological activities. The prepared alkylphosphocholines have the same molecular formula as miltefosine. Activity of the compounds was studied against a spectrum of tumour cells, two species of protozoans, bacteria and yeast. Antitumour efficacy of some alkylphosphocholines measured up on MCF-7, A2780, HUT-78 and THP-1 cell lines was higher than that of miltefosine. The compounds showed antiprotozoal activity against Acanthamoeba lugdunensis and Acanthamoeba quina . Some of them also possess fungicidal activity against Candida albicans equal to miltefosine. No antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . A difference in position of a long hydrocarbon chain within the structure with maximum efficacy was observed for antitumour, antiprotozoal and antifungal activity.