| abstract |
A class of predominantly hydrophobic non-azo N-substituted 1,8-naphthalimide compounds, each bearing, at its 3-position, a nucleofuge and, at its 4-position, a heteroatomic electron-releasing group. The heteroatomic electron-releasing group is being characterized as having a heteroatom directly linked to the 4-position of the ring, and having at least one hydrogen directly attached to the heteroatom. Upon activation by an activating agent in an environment independent of the presence or absence of oxygen, these compounds generate activated species. The activated species initiate chemical changes in lipid bilayer membranes of viruses and other target cells. These changes can eradicate viruses and other target cells. The activated species can also cause structural changes in lipid and any associated proteins and polypeptides at a level beneath the surface of the membrane, leading to polymerization and crosslinking. |