DSPE-NHS

Key Properties

• A reactive phospholipid composed of a DSPE lipid moiety and an N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated ester group.
• Amphiphilic structure: hydrophobic distearoyl tails stably insert into lipid bilayers, while the NHS ester group is exposed on the surface for bioconjugation.
• Highly reactive toward primary amines (-NH₂) of proteins, peptides, antibodies, and small molecules under mild neutral or slightly basic conditions.
• Forms stable amide bonds without requiring catalysts or crosslinkers.
• Biocompatible, low toxicity, and widely compatible with liposome and lipid nanoparticle formulations.
• Practically insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform, methanol, DMSO, and other organic solvents.
• Susceptible to hydrolysis in aqueous environments; must be used under anhydrous conditions.
• Typically a white to off-white solid or waxy powder.
• Storage: −20 °C, desiccated, protected from light and moisture.

Applications

• Surface functionalization of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), micelles, and exosomes.
• Covalent conjugation with amine-containing targeting ligands, peptides, antibodies, and aptamers for targeted delivery.
• Preparation of long-circulating and PEGylated lipid delivery systems.
• Labeling of lipid assemblies with amine-modified fluorescent dyes, tracers, or imaging probes.
• Used in nucleic acid delivery systems for mRNA, DNA, and siRNA carrier engineering.
• Biomembrane and cell membrane labeling for in vitro tracking and imaging.
• Surface modification of biomaterials and nanoparticles to improve biocompatibility and targeting efficiency.