Polymeric liposomes formed from a new phosphatidylcholine with terminal diene groups

A novel polymerizable phospholipid with conjugated diene groups at the hydrocarbon chain ends, 1,2-bis(11,13-tetradecadienoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (7), was synthesized. This phospholipid gives liposomes which can be readily polymerized upon γ- and UV-irradiation. The conversion is up to 95% within 10 h at 60 o C or within 3 days at room temperature. According to light scattering, 31 P NMR and electron microscopy, the polymerized liposomes are detergent-resistent and maintain their structure under ultrasonic treatment and in organic solvent media