| abstract |
The invention provides novel synthetic methodologies for preparing cardiolipin, migrated caridiolipin (1,2-positional isomer of cardiolipin) and their analogues having varying fatty acids and/or alkyl chains with varying length and degrees of saturation/unsaturation. The method comprises (a) reacting an optically pure 1,2-O-dialkyl-sn-glycerol or 1,2-O-dialkyl-sn-glycerol with one or more phosphoramidite reagent(s), wherein a phosphite triester is produced; (b) coupling the product of (a) with glycerol, wherein a protected cardiolipin is produced; and (c) deprotecting the protected cardiolipin, such that cardiolipin is prepared. The cardiolipins and analogues thereof, prepared by the present methods, can be incorporated into liposomes, which can also include active agents such as hydrophobic or hydrophilic drugs, antisense nucleotides or diagnostic agents. Such liposomes can be used to treat diseases or can be used in diagnostic and/or analytical assays. |