Polymers & Polymerizable Lipids

Alfa Chemistry is pleased to introduce our polymers and polymerizable lipids. Polymers and polymerizable lipids are important components in the development of various RNA molecular delivery systems. They offer versatility in terms of structure, function, and delivery properties.

By using our products, researchers can continue to explore and develop new polymer-based delivery systems to improve the efficiency, specificity, and safety of RNA therapeutics.

Functions of Diacetylene lipids

Diacetylene lipids belong to a class of lipids containing butadiynyl functional groups that polymerize when stimulated by heat, light or pH changes. The polymerization process leads to the formation of rigid and stable polydiacetylene (PDA) backbones.

The polymerization of diacetylene lipids can be triggered by an external stimulus, allowing spatial and temporal control of the polymerization process. This property provides a means of tuning the release kinetics of encapsulated RNA and enhancing the stability of the delivery system.

Figure 1. Composite nanoparticles containing PDA and dendritic amphiphilic polymers exhibit structural and color stability and constitute an excellent platform for sensing and analyzing biomolecular membrane interactions in model vesicle systems and living cell environments^[1].

• PDA Liposomes - Diacetylene lipids can be incorporated into liposomes. The diacetylene groups therein can polymerize under appropriate stimuli to form a cross-linked PDA network. This polymerization enhances the stability and structural integrity of the liposome and provides a controlled release mechanism for the encapsulated RNA cargo.
• PDA Hydrogels - Diacetylene lipids can be incorporated into hydrogel formulations. These hydrogels can provide sustained release of RNA cargo and provide a suitable environment for cellular uptake and intracellular delivery.

Functions of Polysarcosine Lipids

Polysarcosine (pSar) is a synthetic polymer consisting of N-substituted glycine repeating units. pSar has stealth properties that reduce interactions with immune system components and minimize immune responses. This is effective in RNA delivery applications to improve circulation time and reduce immunogenicity. pSar is also tunable.

pSar also has tunable properties such as molecular weight and hydrophilicity that can be easily controlled by adjusting synthesis parameters, allowing pSar lipids to be optimized for specific RNA delivery applications, such as controlling release kinetics or enhancing cellular uptake.

• Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) and Liposomes - pSar lipids can be incorporated into the lipid bilayer of LNPs or liposomes to form delivery vehicles for RNA molecules. Their amphiphilic nature allows them to self-assemble with other lipid components to form stable lipid nanoparticles to enhance the stability, biocompatibility and cellular uptake of LNP or liposomes.
• Polymeric Complex Formation - The positive charge of pSar promotes complexation with negatively charged RNA molecules to form polymeric complexes that protect RNA from degradation and aid in cellular uptake.

Reference

1. Israeli, R; et al. Chromatic Dendrimer/Polydiacetylene Nanoparticles. ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 2021, 3(6): 2931-2937.

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

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