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Home > RNA Delivery > Cationic/Ionizable Lipids

Cationic/Ionizable Lipids

In the past five years, DC Chemicals has focused on research and development in the RNA delivery field, successfully developing over 500 cationic lipid structures and maintaining an inventory of over 200 cationic lipids. We collaborate with leading gene delivery companies and research institutions worldwide, and our products and services have received widespread acclaim.
DC Chemicals has accumulated substantial experience in the synthesis of lipids, particularly for highly complex lipid molecules. Our unique chemical synthesis and purification processes often circumvent patented and literature-reported routes, allowing us to design new synthetic routes that yield lipid molecules with higher purity than those reported in literature and patents. Our representative molecules, such as LP-01, SM-102, ALC-0315, and DLIN-MC3-DMA, have purities exceeding 98% as tested by CAD-HPLC, placing them among the top purity products available.We have the capability to scale production from grams to kilograms.


Cationic ionizable lipids play a major role in the LNP formulation and its ability to transfect target cells with its cargo. The ionizable lipids are used to complex negatively charged nucleic acid cargo. The mRNA-cationic lipid complex fuses with the cell membrane and is then delivered into the cytosol. To be able to play these roles efficiently, a cationic ionizable lipid must be engineered with a suitable apparent acid dissociation constant (pKa). The apparent pKa of a cationic ionizable lipid is the likely pKa at the LNP surface. Currently, the cationic ionizable lipids in FDA-approved therapeutics all have an apparent pKa between 6-7. This is crucial for the cationic ionizable lipid to maintain a neutral charge while in systemic circulation (pH above the pKa of the lipid, pH ~7.5), as well as its ability to become positively charged in the endosome (pH ~6.5) and facilitate membrane fusion and subsequent cytosolic release.
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Cat. No. Product Name Field of Application Chemical Structure
DC68148 DEA‑14‑DAP Featured
DEA‑14‑DAP is a novel ionizable cationic SORT lipid. As a key component for central nervous system targeting, it enables lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to specifically target microglia, significantly improving the delivery efficiency and cellular selectivity of nucleic acid drugs in the brain.
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DC60683 Lipid-168 Featured
LIPID168(pKa ~6.5) ​​ is an optimized ionizable lipid engineered for in vivo mRNA delivery to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow. Developed by ​​Yoltech Therapeutics​​ through high-throughput screening of lipid libraries, it features a ​​diethylamino head group​​ and a tailored hydrophobic tail structure that enables antibody-free targeting. When Lipid 168 was formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), it achieved ​​48.5% base editing efficiency​​ in bone marrow cells —surpassing benchmarks like LIPID-028 (19.7%)—and reduced off-target liver editing from 71% to 19% by incorporating ​​miR-122 target sequences​​. In humanized β-thalassemia models, LNP 168 delivered ABE8e mRNA/sgRNA to patient-derived HSCs, yielding ​​42.6% editing at the HBG promoter​​, reactivating fetal hemoglobin (γ-globin) and rescuing erythroid defects . Its bone marrow specificity is driven by a unique ​​protein corona​​ enriched in albumin, fibronectin, and fibrinogen . Safety studies confirmed transient immune responses and no cumulative toxicity . LIPID-168 represents a promising non-viral platform for curative gene therapies in blood disorders.
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DC67650 EB-Lipid Featured
EB-Lipid is an innovatively engineered ionizable lipid designed to replace conventional PEG-lipid in mRNA vaccine formulations. Its structure comprises three key components: an Evans Blue-derived headgroup with high affinity for albumin, a tetraethylene glycol linker that enhances colloidal stability, and dual oleate tails for anchoring into lipid bilayers. This molecular design enables EB-Lipid to actively recruit endogenous albumin, forming an albumin-rich protein corona on the surface of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Following intramuscular administration, these albumin-bound EB-LNPs are preferentially transported through lymphatic vessels rather than entering the bloodstream, thereby avoiding hepatic accumulation and associated hepatotoxicity risks.Experimental data demonstrate that EB-LNPs achieve significantly higher accumulation in lymph nodes, where they are efficiently internalized by dendritic cells via albumin receptor-mediated endocytosis (e.g., gp60). This process enhances antigen presentation and activates robust cellular and humoral immune responses. In both tumor models (B16-OVA and HPV-associated) and infectious disease models (H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron), EB-LNP-based mRNA vaccines elicited potent cytotoxic T-cell activation and durable neutralizing antibody production at low doses. Unlike traditional PEG-LNPs, EB-LNPs show minimal liver distribution, reduced immunogenicity, and improved safety profiles after repeated administrations.By leveraging albumin’s natural trafficking pathway, EB-Lipid represents a transformative delivery platform that combines targeted lymph node delivery with enhanced biosafety, positioning it as a promising candidate for next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
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DC60924 AA76-lipid Featured
AA76-lipid is a dipeptide-modified ionizable lipid, engineered with an arginine-histidine motif, that constitutes the core of the pancreatic-targeted AH-LNP delivery platform. Its chemical architecture, characterized by an externally positioned and C-terminally modified arginine residue, was identified through systematic screening as the optimal structure for function. Upon intraperitoneal administration, AH-LNPs formulated with this lipid interact with proteins in the peritoneal fluid, undergoing dynamic assembly into significantly larger complexes. This substantial increase in size (from ~100 nm to over 360 nm) exploits a physical targeting principle termed the Capsule-filter-mediated pancreatic targeting (CAMP) mechanism. Large particles are selectively filtered out by the dense capsules of other abdominal organs, leading to preferential enrichment in the capsule-deficient pancreas. Concurrently, the arginine-histidine motif directs the formation of a distinct protein corona enriched with apolipoproteins (e.g., APOE, APOB-100), which mimics very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This corona enables efficient cellular internalization primarily into pancreatic stromal cells via VLDL receptor (VLDLR)-mediated endocytosis, known as the VMP pathway. The synergistic integration of the physical CAMP targeting and the biological VMP uptake mechanisms empowers AA76-lipid-based AH-LNPs to achieve highly specific, potent, and sustained mRNA delivery and gene editing within the pancreas across multiple species, demonstrating exceptional therapeutic efficacy in models of both autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
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DC68147 SAINT-2 Featured
SAINT-2 is a cationic lipid with gene transfection activity and is a pyridyl lipid analog. Molecular membranes prepared by SAINT-2 can interact with plasmids to form lipid complexes. After the complex is taken up by cells, the plasmid dissociates from the lipid complex under the action of DOPE and the plasmid translocates across the endosome and/or nuclear membrane. Thus, SAINT-2 effectively transfers small oligonucleotides into cells。
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DC67458 DMT7 Featured
DMT7 (pKa 6.5) is an ionizable cationic lipid engineered for co-delivery of mRNA and immunomodulators via LNPs. In 4T1 breast cancer metastasis models, DMT7 LNPs carrying IL-12 mRNA and STING agonist MSA-2 significantly reduce tumor burden and pulmonary metastases while modulating T cell populations. The formulation demonstrates broad immunotherapeutic effects in melanoma models, shifting tumor macrophages toward the M1 phenotype, reducing Tregs, and elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ).
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DC67465 Lipid 7-1 Featured
7-1 lipid represents a novel ionizable cationic compound designed for nucleic acid delivery applications.
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DC71699 DOIC Featured
DOIC is a cationic lipid that can be used for RNA vaccines.
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DC68146 DMDHP Featured
DMDHP ((±)-Dimyristoyl-2,3-dimethylhydroxypropylamine) is a cationic lipid with a polar head group containing a dihydroxy group. DMDHP exhibits superior transfection efficiency and lower toxicity at high DNA doses in mouse intrapulmonary transfection model. DMDHP is commonly used for gene delivery.
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DC68145 APL-719 Featured
APL-719 is a cationic lipid that can be used to synthesize lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery.
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DC60556 Lipid 29d Featured
Lipid 29d is an ionizable lipid containing a thiophene moiety (Thio-lipid) for mRNA delivery. Lipid 29d enables LNPs to transfect the lung and spleen.
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DC60462 MIC1 Featured
MIC1 is a set of multi-charged lipids with four tertiary amino nitrogen atoms (4N4T) which could be constructed and applied to form novel lipid nanoparticles. 4N4T-LNPs based on MIC1 exhibit much higher mRNA translation efficiency than the approved SM-102-LNPs. 4N4T-LNPs are successfully applied to DS mRNA vaccine and the vaccines worked well against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including Delta and Omicron.
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DC66654 Lipid N2-3L Featured
DC67457 Lipid 1 HG3 Featured
Lipid 1 HG3 serves as a key component in LNPs specifically engineered for in vivo delivery of closed-end DNA (ceDNA), demonstrating efficient nucleic acid encapsulation and targeted release capabilities.
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DC67119 VC1052 Featured
VC1052 is the component of Vaxfectin. Vaxfectin is a cationic lipid-based adjuvant that can be used for plasmid DNA- and protein-based vaccines.
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DC36459 DMHAPC-Chol Featured
DMHAPC-Chol is a cationic cholesterol. Liposomes containing DMHAPC-chol have been used for DNA plasmid delivery in vitro and in vivo in a B16-F10 mouse xenograft model. Liposomes containing DMHAPC-chol are cytotoxic to B16-F10 cells. DMHAPC-Chol, as part of a lipoplex with DOPE, has also been used to deliver DNA into mouse lung via intratracheal injection, resulting in a heterogeneous distribution in the bronchi and bronchioles, and to deliver VEGF siRNA into A431 and MDA-MB-231 cells, which secrete VEGF.
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DC71656 Vaxfectin Featured
Vaxfectin is a cationic lipid-based adjuvant that can be used for plasmid DNA- and protein-based vaccines.
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DC67134 IM21.7c Featured
DC67116 80-O14B Featured
DC67490 G0-C14 analog Featured
G0-C14 analog is a derivative of the ionizable cationic lipid G0-C14.
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DC60554 Lipid 20b Featured
Lipid 20b​​ is a thiophene-based ionizable lipid synthesized via the Gewald reaction. It features dual unsaturated linoleic tails (C18:2) attached to the same side of the thiophene core and a tertiary amine headgroup. Formulated into LNPs (~100 nm, PDI ~0.2) with DSPC/cholesterol/DMG-PEG, it exhibits high mRNA encapsulation (>90%). Unlike traditional lipids, 20b lacks a pH-dependent ionization profile, likely due to electron delocalization in the thiophene ring. Intravenously, 20b LNPs transfect the liver and spleen in mice. Notably, subretinal delivery in mice and non-human primates (NHPs) achieved robust mRNA expression in photoreceptors (35% rods, 45% cones at high dose) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with minimal acute toxicity. Immunosuppression enhanced rod transfection efficiency. High-dose administration in NHPs caused subretinal debris, but low doses (2.5 µg mRNA) maintained retinal health. This lipid demonstrates potential for liver and retinal gene therapy.
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DC67133 C10-200 Featured
C10-200-based LNPs show enhanced liver tropism for mRNA delivery, outperforming branched-chain lipidoids (e.g., C12-200) in hepatic reporter gene expression. The system's therapeutic potential is confirmed through successful EPO production, with measurable increases in circulating protein levels following administration.
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DC68144 Lipid G9-1 Featured
G9-1 is a nitric oxide (NO)-inhibitory ionizable lipid designed for anti-inflammatory mRNA delivery. Derived from the potent NO inhibitor G9, it retains the ability to suppress macrophage-driven inflammation while enabling efficient mRNA encapsulation and lung-targeted delivery. In a murine acute lung injury model, G9-1 lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with IL-10 mRNA demonstrated synergistic therapeutic effects by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improving systemic tissue injury markers. With its intrinsic immunomodulatory activity and preferential targeting of lung-resident cells, G9-1 represents a promising platform for safer and more effective mRNA therapeutics in inflammatory disorders.
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DC67294 Lipid B1
Lipid B1​ is a next-generation ionizable lipid engineered for superior mRNA delivery, featuring a patented ​β-isobutylglutarate branching linker​ that optimizes nanoparticle assembly and intracellular release. Its unique structure combines a pH-responsive tertiary amine headgroup with twin C18 alkyl tails connected via biodegradable ester bonds, enabling precise control over lipid packing and endosomal escape. Preclinical studies demonstrate that Lipid B1-based LNPs (bLNPs) achieve ​**>75% transfection efficiency in vitro​ at ultra-low mRNA doses (1 μg), outperforming commercial benchmarks like SM-102. In vivo, subcutaneous administration of bLNPs delivers ​10-fold higher luciferase expression**​ than linear-chain analogs, with targeted biodistribution to lymph nodes and tumor sites. Clinically relevant data show 100% tumor prevention in prophylactic cancer vaccine models and 70% tumor regression in therapeutic settings when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. The ester-based backbone ensures rapid metabolic clearance, minimizing systemic toxicity risks (NOAEL >10 mg/kg in mice). Compatible with mRNA, siRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9 payloads, Lipid B1 is ideal for vaccines, gene therapies, and immuno-oncology. Its scalable 3-step synthesis (yield >80%) and lyophilization stability (-80°C, 12 months) make it a cost-effective solution for GMP-grade production. For advanced delivery with unmatched safety and efficacy, Lipid B1 sets a new standard in nucleic acid therapeutics.
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DC67995 Lipid 22 Featured
Compound 22, as detailed in United States Patent US 2026/0014089 A1, is a bifunctional ionizable lipid engineered for precision drug delivery. Its structure integrates a monosaccharide targeting headgroup, designed to bind specifically to DC-SIGN receptors on dendritic cells, via a sophisticated linker connected to a biodegradable lipid anchor. This design enables it to serve as a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), forming a targeted delivery system. By leveraging the specific carbohydrate-receptor interaction, these LNPs are preferentially internalized by dendritic cells, critical for initiating adaptive immune responses. In vivo studies from the patent, such as the biodistribution data shown in Figure 5, confirm effective accumulation in lymphoid tissues like the spleen and lymph nodes. Consequently, this targeted delivery enhances the potency of encapsulated payloads (e.g., mRNA vaccines) by ensuring professional antigen presentation, eliciting a stronger and more specific immune response—evidenced by higher neutralizing antibody titers—making it a powerful tool for next-generation vaccines and therapeutics.
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DC89031 SM-102 IMPURITY 2(SM-102 N-Oxide) Featured
SM-102 N-oxide is potential impurity in commercial preparations of SM-102.
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DC60213 DOTMA Featured
N-[1-(2,3-Dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium (DOTMA) is a cationic lipid.It has been used as a component in liposomes that can be used to encapsulate siRNA, microRNAs, and oligonucleotides and for gene transfection in vitro.
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DC67563 S-Ac7-DOG Featured
S-Ac7-DOg​​ is an ​​ionizable lipid​​ engineered for optimized mRNA delivery to the retina, featuring a ​​sulfur-based ester bond​​ (S-Ac) and ​​dual oleyl glyceride chains​​ (DOg). Its pKa (~6.74) is finely tuned to enhance ​​endosomal escape​​ in acidic environments, enabling efficient cytosolic mRNA release. Unlike traditional lipids (e.g., C12-200, MC3), S-Ac7-DOg incorporates ​​biodegradable ester linkages​​ that hydrolyze intracellularly, minimizing lipid accumulation and reducing innate immune activation. In vitro, S-Ac7-DOg LNPs achieved >80% transfection efficiency in retinal cells (ARPE-19, MIO-M1) with ​​negligible cytokine secretion​​, outperforming MC3 and rivaling C12-200 while avoiding the latter’s high immunogenicity. In vivo, intravitreal delivery in mice showed ​​robust protein expression​​ in the optic nerve head (ONH) and Müller glia (75–100% of eyes), sustained for ≥7 days. Critically, it induced the ​​lowest immunogenicity​​ among tested lipids: minimal leukocyte infiltration (<1.5-fold vs. PBS), no microglial reactivity, and reduced GFAP upregulation.
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DC68021 BIP-20 Featured
BiP-20 is a branched ionizable phospholipid identified as a lead compound for efficient hepatic mRNA delivery.BiP-20 is a novel, efficient, and safe liver-targeted LNP delivery vehicle. With an ideal pKa of 6.56, it achieves highly efficient liver targeting and endosomal escape primarily through the ApoE/LDL-R pathway. It demonstrates exceptional performance in gene editing at very low doses: for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing of TTR, a 10 μg dose achieved ~64% efficiency, which is 8-fold higher than the clinical benchmark lipid LP-01. In Prime Editing targeting the PCSK9 gene, its efficiency (4.30%) also significantly surpassed that of MC3, SM102, and LPO1. Furthermore, it mediates a 5.9-fold increase in hepatic protein expression compared to MC3. Safety assessments indicate it does not induce liver function abnormalities, showing strong therapeutic potential.
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DC68141 AMG514 Featured
AMG514 is a novel ionizable lipid designed for formulating spleen-targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver immune‑remodeling mRNAs (IR‑mRNAs). Its key advantage lies in the formation of a unique “protein corona” enriched with vitronectin, coagulation factors, and specific apolipoproteins (e.g., ApoA‑IV), together with its relatively high apparent pKa (~7.5), which actively redirects LNPs to the spleen instead of the liver. This precise spleen‑targeting property enables efficient transfection of splenic antigen‑presenting cells (APCs). As a vaccine adjuvant, AMG514‑LNPs therefore elicit a more robust activation of adaptive immunity compared to conventional LNPs (e.g., cKK‑E12), generating significantly enhanced antigen‑specific CD8⁺ T‑cell and antibody responses, and inducing durable anti‑tumor immune memory in preclinical models.
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