Natural Lipids

Alfa Chemistry is pleased to introduce our natural lipid products that have shown potential for use in RNA delivery systems.

Natural lipids are essential components of living organisms and play vital roles in a variety of biological processes, including energy storage, membrane structure, cell signaling and hormone regulation. Natural lipids are favorable for RNA delivery due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity.

Sphingolipids for RNA delivery

Sphingolipids are a variety of lipids containing sphingosine or dihydrosphingosine backbone, including ceramides, sphingomyelins, sphingolipids, and gangliosides. Sphingolipids are involved in cell signaling, cell recognition, and membrane stability and are particularly abundant in the nervous system.

Although sphingolipids have not been studied as extensively as other lipid-based delivery systems, they offer some unique properties that make them potentially useful for RNA delivery.

Figure 1. Biophysical processes associated with the delivery of non-viral genes to the central nervous system when sphingolipids are incorporated into cationic liposome formulations^[1].

The following are some examples:

• Ceramide-based liposomes: Ceramides can be doped into liposomes to form ceramide-based liposomes. These liposomes can encapsulate RNA molecules within their aqueous core or dope RNA onto their lipid bilayer.
• Sphingolipid Nanoparticles: Sphingolipid nanoparticles have been developed as carriers for RNA delivery. These nanoparticles can be prepared by self-assembling sphingolipids such as ceramides into nanoscale structures.
• Sphingolipid-based systems: Sphingolipids are another type of sphingolipid that has been used in combination with other lipid components to form liposomes or lipid-based nanoparticles for RNA delivery.

As with any lipid-based delivery system, the selection of sphingolipids and formulation components should be carefully evaluated to ensure adequate RNA protection, effective cellular uptake, and minimal cytotoxicity. The specific application, target cells, and the desired delivery outcome will influence the selection and optimization of a sphingolipid-based RNA delivery system.

Reference

1. Qtaish, NAL; et al. Sphingolipid Extracts Enhance Gene Delivery of Cationic Lipid Vesicles into Retina and Brain. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. 2022, 169: 103-112.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

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