Bispidinone-based molecular switches for construction of stimulus-sensitive liposomal containers

It is demonstrated that new lipid-like amphiphilic compounds, derivatives of 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one (bispidinone) with long alkyl substituents, can be integrated into liposomal membranes. They can serve as molecular switches changing the conformation from the chair–boat to chair–chair on addition of an aqueous solution of a bivalent copper salt, and thus enhancing the permeability of the lipid bilayer of liposomes and the release of encapsulated compounds.