Polyvalency is the presentation of multiple ligands simultaneously to multiple receptor.
In our strategy, the multiplicity is required either by classical organic synthesis, or by preparing polymers with the ligands on the sidechains. We will continue to improve the ability of polymers of various structures to block hemagglutination by lectins such as ricin and abrin. One approach will be directed towards improving steric stabilization of these polymers by the incorporation of side chains into these polymers. Improving steric stabilization of the polyvalomers in the influenza system led to one to two orders of magnitude enhancement in inhibition. We will continue our work with dimers and oligomers of vancomycin, with the objective of improving their effectiveness in antibiotic screens.