Synthesis of redox active ferrocene-modified phospholipids by transphosphatidylation reaction and chronoamperometry study of the corresponding redox sensitive liposome.

The design of stable redox active liposomes where the organometallic electroactive pendent was covalently bound to the phospholipid headgroup through a phospholipase D (PLD)-catalyzed transphosphatidylation reaction between a choline-bearing phospholipid and a primary alcohol containing a ferrocene derivative is reported. The functionalization of a liposome surface with this organometallic redox phospholipid allowed the study of membrane-bound electrochemical reactions, which are important in the design of redox-sensitive liposome delivery systems.