1-oleoylglycerol (1-monoolein)

1-oleoylglycerol (1-monoolein) (CAS No.: 111-03-5) is a naturally derived monoacylglycerol lipid characterized by acylation of glycerol at the sn-1 position and widely utilized in biomedical research as a biocompatible excipient and functional lipid component. As a member of the 1-monoacylglycerol class, it plays a significant role in drug delivery systems due to its amphiphilic properties, enabling the formation of structured lipid phases, micellar systems, and lipid nanoparticles that enhance the solubility, permeability, and tissue distribution of therapeutic agents. Functionally, 1-oleoylglycerol exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, in part through modulation of innate immune signaling pathways, where it suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced responses by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-12 p40, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide, suggesting involvement in pathways linked to macrophage activation and cytokine regulation. In vitro studies indicate that its immunomodulatory effects are typically observed at micromolar concentration ranges, consistent with its role as a bioactive lipid mediator rather than a high-affinity receptor ligand. In pharmaceutical and translational research, it is frequently employed to enhance transdermal and intestinal drug absorption, as demonstrated by improved permeability of compounds such as cyclosporin A and amphotericin B, and is also incorporated into lipid nanoparticle formulations to facilitate nucleic acid delivery with improved organ targeting in vivo. Additionally, its established safety profile and emulsifying capacity support its use in formulation development, tissue engineering, and bone repair studies, where it serves both as a structural matrix component and a carrier for bioactive molecules, with experimental concentrations or dosing regimens varying according to specific model systems and therapeutic objectives.