Phospholipids as Functional Constituents of Biomembranes

Abstract This article describes new methods for the synthesis of biologically active phospholipids. The physical properties of such compounds are directly related to their chemical structure, the position of the substituents esterified with glycerol not only influencing the physical properties but also the biological function of the phospholipids. Phase transitions can be induced by temperature changes and—in biological systems—by changes in the surface charge or the degree of protonation. In model studies, the properties of lipid phases differ sufficiently to influence and control biological membrane processes. Alkyl glycerides can modify the properties of biological membranes quickly and reversibly to increase the permeation of active compounds. An important example is the improved transport of cytostatic drugs across the blood‐brain barrier. Knowledge about the substrate specificity of enzymes that metabolize phospholipids allows the synthesis of tailored cytotoxic phospholipids which selectively accumulate in malignant tissues. Thus, the interplay of chemical synthesis and investigations of physical structure lays a foundation for the understanding of simple membrane processes on a molecular level, and the experience gained with such model systems can, in turn, be used to influence natural membranes, such as those of the blood‐brain barrier or of tumors, in a directed way.