Lecithins and Phospholipids : Biochemistry, Properties and Clinical Significance

Phospholipids are the main components of biological membranes. This book covers the production, properties and use of natural and synthetic phospholipids as drug delivery systems for therapeutic agents, including small drugs, peptides/proteins and nucleic acids. Also covered in this book are major recent findings that elucidate the biochemical features of polyphenol-phospholipid interactions and their influence on the mechanical and biochemical properties of membranes; research on the metabolism of phospholipids and their fatty acids content, fragmentally altered in various diseases; information dealing with the various aspects of different metallodrugs with phospholipids and their analysis in the light of their importance in cancer therapy; the synthesis and metabolism of major membrane phospholipids; and an in-depth discussion on the synthesis of other phopholipids, including lecithin are examined as well.