Biomembranes sensitivity to structural changes in bound polymers

The preparation and studies of a series of polybetaines ([PB.sub.n]) having cationic and anionic units covalently linked by short -[(C[H.sub.2]).sub.n]- spacer is reported. The results revealed that the length of the -[(C[H.sub.2]).sub.n]- spacer in betaine units have a significant effect on the ability of polybetaines to interact with anionic liposomes and to induce structural rearrangement within the liposomal membrane.