1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane chloride

1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane chloride (CAS No.: 132172-61-3) is a synthetic cationic lipid widely utilized in biomedical research as a liposome-forming agent for nucleic acid delivery. As a member of the cationic amphiphile class, it readily self-assembles into liposomal or lipid nanoparticle structures that electrostatically complex with negatively charged biomolecules such as plasmid DNA, RNA, and antisense oligonucleotides, facilitating their cellular uptake. Its primary mechanism of action involves the formation of lipid–nucleic acid complexes that interact with cell membranes, promoting endocytosis and subsequent intracellular release, often via endosomal destabilization. This compound is extensively applied in transfection protocols for both transient and stable gene expression in eukaryotic cell systems, and it has been incorporated into small unilamellar vesicles for gene delivery and functional genomics studies. In vitro activity is typically characterized by efficient nucleic acid delivery at low micromolar to sub-micromolar lipid concentrations, depending on formulation and cell type. In drug discovery and molecular biology workflows, it is commonly used in cell-based assays, gene silencing or overexpression studies, and lipid nanoparticle optimization, with experimental concentrations and dosing regimens varying according to specific cell models and research objectives.