• Meltingpoint：
  147~150℃
• Boilingpoint：
  360℃
• Flashpoint：
  250℃
• Density：
  1.06

Since the approval of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, the important role of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in drug delivery has been widely recognized.  LNPs are typically composed of four main components in addition to their nucleic acid cargo: (i) ionizable lipids, (ii) phospholipids, (iii) cholesterol, and (iv) PEG lipid. Cholesterol contributes to the structural stability of mRNA-LNPs. 

Traditionally, cholesterol - even pharmacopoeia-grade cholesterol - has been derived from natural animal sources, preferably lanolin ( sheep's wool grease). However, there are several risks associated with animal-sourced products, such as the transmission of diseases such as TSE, unwanted immune reactions or fluctuations in product quality.

The invention of a synthetic method for extracting cholesterol from plant-derived phytosterols has made possible the mass production of excipient-grade cholesterol that is completely free of animal components, with a high and consistent product quality that meets pharmacopoeial requirements.

Huateng Pharma can provide plant-derived Cholesterol from gram to multi-kilogram scale. Contact us at sales@huatengusa.com for more information. Also, we can provide PEG lipids for your LNP drug delivery system. 
 

References:
​The role of lipid components in lipid nanoparticles for vaccines and gene therapy; C. Hald Albertsen, J. A. Kulkarni, D. Witzigmann, M. Lind, K. Petersson, J. B. Simonsen; Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2022; 188: 114416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2022.114416
On the role of helper lipids in lipid nanoparticle formulations of siRNA; J. A. Kulkarni, D. Witzigmann, J. Leung, Y. Y. C. Tam, P. R. Cullis; Nanoscale 2019; 11: 21733-21739. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09347H