Synthesis of a calix[4]arene derivative exposing multiple units of fucose and preliminary investigation as a potential broad-spectrum antibiofilm agent

Calix[4]arene derivative (1), bearing four alpha-L-C-fucosyl units linked via a flexible spacer, and a monomeric analogous (2) bearing a single moiety of fucose, were synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for anti-biofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram+). The macro-cyclic compound 1 showed very high percentage of biofilm inhibition against two different bacterial strains while compound 2, which does not possess a macrocyclic structure, showed only moderate biofilm inhibition against P. aeruginosa and no biofilm inhibition against S. epidermidis. The fucose multivalent derivative could be a new broad-spectrum antibiofilm agent.