Polyanionic Polymers. I. Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Medical Applications of Benzocaine Modified Carboxymethylcellulose

New polymers with antiviral and antitumor activity were syn thesized by introducing benzocaine onto carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or ox idized carboxymethylcellulose (oxidized CMC). The biological tests (anesthetic, antiviral and antitumor activity) showed that the introduction of benzocaine as a spacer between the main chain and a CMC carboxylic group enhances the an tiviral and antitumor activity of the CMC. The anesthetic effect of benzocaine- modified CMC indicates that benzocaine is not released by hydrolysis from the macromolecular support.