MIC2 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 developed by Westgen. 4N4T-LNPs based on MIC2 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.

246C10 is a synthesized ionizable lipid. 246C10 can be formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), cholesterol, and C16-PEG2000 ceramide (PEG-lipid) as well as mRNA. The lipid nanoparticle formulations can be used for mRNA delivery. To obtain iLNPs that could specifically target liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), six different ionizable lipids (241C10 to 246C10) were synthesized by an epoxide ring-opening reaction with piperazine- or piperidine-containing amines. Biodistribution and gene regulation of various iLNPs were assessed in vivo, and the results showed that the 246C10 iLNPs (containing piperazine amine) had the highest luciferase expression in the liver. When further analyzing the 246C10 iLNPs transfection efficiency in different types of liver cells, it was found that tdTomato fluorescence was mainly concentrated in hepatocytes, not in LSECs. Figure 6f shows that 80% of hepatocytes are fluorescent, 40% of LSECs are fluorescent, and 20% of Kupffer cells are fluorescent. Due to the mannose receptor on LSECs, mannose-PEG lipid was introduced into 246C10 iLNPs to alter the distribution of iLNPs in different liver cells. As shown in Figure 6g, tdTomato fluorescence distribution was 15% of hepatocytes, 70% of LSECs, and 15% of Kupffer cells, significantly improved the ability of iLNPs to actively target LSECs. In contrast, this work indirectly shows that the iLNPs with piperazine head lipid are more able to deliver mRNA to the liver and translate the target protein than the iLNPs with piperidine head lipid. It is worth mentioning that the preparation buffer of 246C10 iLNPs could influence the encapsulation efficiency of mRNA. With the addition of sodium chloride in the citrate buffer, the encapsulation efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA was increased. These iLNPs were able to treat hemophilia safely, without causing hepatotoxicity, the immune response induced by Cas9 and off-target editing.

11-10-8 is an ionizable cationic lipid (pKa = 6.22) that has been used in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery in vivo.1 LNPs containing 11-10-8 and encapsulating mRNA encoding the Cas9 nuclease and small-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone carrier protein, decrease serum levels of TTR in mice. LNPs containing 11-10-8 and encapsulating mRNA encoding human fibroblast growth factor 21 (hFGF21) increase serum levels of hFGF21, decrease body and liver weights, and reduce the liver steatosis score in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet.

FL0445 is a biodegradable, multi-branched ionizable lipid featuring an ionizable amine-containing headgroup together with ester and carbonate linkages. When formulated with DOPE, cholesterol, and a PEG lipid, FL0445-LNP enabled efficient delivery of both linear mRNA and structurally constrained capped circular RNA (Cap-cirRNA). In the reported study, the optimized formulation produced substantially higher in vitro protein expression than benchmark LNPs based on MC3, SM-102, or ALC-0315 and demonstrated functional nucleic-acid delivery following intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration in mice. The platform was also evaluated for mRNA vaccination, ASO-mediated gene silencing, pDNA delivery, and GLP-1-encoding Cap-cirRNA. FL0445-LNP induced comparatively low inflammatory cytokine responses and showed favorable single-dose tolerability in the tested mouse models, supporting its further evaluation as a versatile preclinical delivery lipid for mRNA, circular RNA, and other nucleic-acid modalities.

KC-34 (SPC-A9) is a novel stereopure, diketopiperazine-based ionizable cationic lipid engineered to overcome traditional liver-restricted delivery, achieving balanced multi-organ mRNA transfection. Upon systemic intravenous administration, its precisely optimized chiral configuration allows the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to efficiently cross endothelial barriers and target the bone marrow, offering immense therapeutic potential for in vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene editing. Concurrently, KC-34 mediates robust and long-lasting protein expression in the spleen and lungs with minimal hepatic off-target toxicity. Its stable structure provides excellent biocompatibility and high in vivo tolerance, making it ideal for systemic, multi-dose mRNA therapies.

L52715 is a novel ionizable lipid developed by Shanghai Vitalgen, used to deliver mRNA.

ATX-126(ATX-0126, 10p) is an ionizable cationic lipid (pKa = 6.38).It has been used in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of siRNA. Intravenous administration of LNPs containing ATX-126(ATX-0126, 10p) and encapsulating Factor VII siRNA decrease Factor VII blood levels in mice.

CVL1 (C24), also known as VitE-C4DE-Pip-S, is a vitamin E-derived ionizable lipid developed for lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA and other nucleic acids developed by CureVac. It features two hydrophobic α-tocopherol moieties connected to a bis-piperidine ionizable core through biodegradable succinate ester linkages, while a central thioether-containing spacer provides additional structural flexibility. CVL1 can be incorporated into LNP formulations to support nucleic acid encapsulation, cellular uptake, and intracellular delivery. CureVac has investigated CVL1-containing LNPs for mRNA expression in immune-related tissues and cells, including the spleen, lymph nodes, and antigen-presenting cells, making it a valuable research lipid for mRNA vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and other nucleic acid delivery applications.

MoChol is a cationic cholesterol derivative used as a membrane component in charge-reversible amphoteric nanoliposomes. It has been incorporated with CHEMS, DOPE and POPC into liposomal formulations for the delivery of anti-BCL-2 antisense oligonucleotides.

CICL1 (L829)​​ is a ​​novel ionizable cationic lipid​​ specifically engineered for ​​targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs)​​ that enables efficient in vivo delivery of mRNA payloads to ​​CD8+ T cells​​. Designed to overcome limitations of conventional LNPs, CICL-1 (L-829)​​significantly ​​reduces off-target delivery to the liver​​ and exhibits ​​rapid clearance​​ compared to benchmark lipids like ALC-0315, while demonstrating ​​enhanced biodegradability and tolerability​​ in rodent and primate models. When incorporated into CD8-targeted tLNPs, CICL 1 (L829 enables ​​preferential transfection of CD8+ T cells​​ over other immune subsets, facilitating the generation of functional ​​anti-CD19 or anti-CD20 CAR T cells directly *in vivo​​*. These tLNP-engineered CAR T cells mediate ​​rapid, deep B-cell depletion​​ in humanized mice and cynomolgus monkeys, with repopulating B cells exhibiting a naïve phenotype suggestive of immune reset. By eliminating the need for ex vivo manufacturing or lymphodepleting chemotherapy, the L829-tLNP platform represents a ​​safer, scalable approach​​ for accessible CAR T therapy in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

C14-306 is a rationally designed ionizable lipid for brain targeting delivery, characterized by a linear 3,3'-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine (306) core conjugated with tetradecyl (C14) tails. This specific architectural configuration, synthesized via epoxide ring-opening amination, yields a molecular structure that optimally balances hydrophobic character and protonation capacity. The C14 alkyl chains enhance membrane integration and LNP stability, while the multiamine core facilitates efficient mRNA complexation and pH-dependent endosomal disruption. When formulated into LNPs with standard helper lipids (DOPE, cholesterol, DMG-PEG2000), C14-306-based nanoparticles exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, including a monodisperse size distribution near 110 nm and high mRNA encapsulation efficiency (>84%). High-throughput in vivo barcoding screening identified C14-306 LNPs as lead candidates for brain delivery, demonstrating a significant tropism for neuronal cells over liver tissue. In validation studies, LNPs incorporating C14-306 achieved a 6.9-fold increase in luciferase mRNA transfection in the mouse brain compared to the SM-102 benchmark, coupled with a substantial reduction in hepatic off-target expression. Flow cytometry confirmed preferential transfection of NeuN+ neurons, and safety assessments indicated no significant blood-brain barrier compromise or induction of systemic inflammation. The efficacy of C14-306 is attributed to its tailored pKa, promoting extended circulation and enhanced endosomal escape within brain cells. C14-306 represents a promising platform for systemic mRNA therapeutics targeting neurological disorders.

A4B4-S3 is a novel biodegradable ionizable lipid that has been meticulously designed through modular platforms and optimized specifically for mRNA delivery. It serves as a critical component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and enhances mRNA delivery efficiency by facilitating endosomal escape. The structural design of A4B4-S3 leverages the Passerini reaction, a highly efficient and modular chemical method that enables the rapid generation of diverse lipid libraries. The design focuses on optimizing the methylene units between lipid headgroups and linkages to strengthen hydrogen bonding interactions with mRNA ribophosphate complexes. This enhanced hydrogen bonding allows for more effective release of mRNA from endosomes, thereby boosting delivery efficiency. Concurrently, the structural optimization improves biodegradability, reducing potential long-term toxicity risks. In experimental studies, A4B4-S3 has demonstrated superior gene editing efficacy in mouse liver compared to SM-102, a clinically prevalent lipid used in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. It also shows potential for repeat-dose protein replacement therapies, suggesting enhanced stability and safety for long-term treatment regimens. Technologically, A4B4-S3 not only provides a more efficient LNP formulation but also deepens the understanding of the relationship between structure and delivery efficiency. This offers new directions for the development of future mRNA therapeutics. In summary, A4B4-S3 represents a next-generation delivery carrier achieved through rational design and high-throughput screening strategies. Its performance enhancements and biodegradable properties position it as a promising candidate for gene therapies and vaccine applications.

306Oi10 is a branched ionizable lipid that can be used to construct lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivering messenger RNA. The surface ionization of lipid nanoparticles is related to the effectiveness of mRNA delivery. The tail of 306Oi10 has a one-carbon branch, which provides it with stronger surface ionization compared to lipids with linear tails, thereby enhancing its mRNA delivery efficacy. 306Oi10 can be used in research related to mRNA delivery.

A2C18_D5 is an optimized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) component engineered with structural modifications to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency and safety. Its design incorporates a hydrophobic head group (A2, featuring a pentyl chain) and an unsaturated C18 tail, which collectively lower its pKa to the ideal range of 6–7, enabling stable encapsulation of nucleic acids and improved endosomal escape. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that A2C18_D5 achieves mRNA delivery efficiency comparable to the clinically approved LNP benchmark MC3, while exhibiting over 200-fold higher potency than its precursor lipid (A1C11). The lipid’s reduced protonation capacity minimizes cytotoxicity and hemolytic risk, aligning with safety profiles of established LNPs. Upon intravenous administration, A2C18_D5 predominantly targets the liver and spleen, with a biodistribution profile favoring hepatic delivery. Its balanced combination of high transfection efficiency, low toxicity, and favorable pharmacokinetics positions A2C18_D5 as a promising candidate for next-generation mRNA therapeutics, including vaccines and treatments for liver-specific diseases. Further optimization of its head-tail structure highlights its versatility for tailored delivery applications.

ALC-0315 analogue-2 is an analogue of ALC-0315. ALC-0315 is an ionisable aminolipid that is responsible for mRNA compaction and aids mRNA cellular delivery and its cytoplasmic release through suspected endosomal destabilization. ALC-0315 can be used to form lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery vehicles. Lipid-Nanoparticles have been used in the research of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Ionizable lipid-2 is a cationic lipid for nucleic acid delivery, with the ability to form lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccines that exhibit in vitro stability and immunostimulatory activity.This ALC-0315 analogue retains its ionizable tertiary amine, hydroxybutyl headgroup, and dual branched hydrophobic tails, while replacing the two ester linkages with carbonate groups. This modification may alter hydrolytic stability, biodegradability, membrane interactions, and overall LNP delivery performance.

12T-O14 is a amidine-incorporated degradable (AID) lipid for versatile mRNA delivery. 12T-O14-LNPs mediate efficient intramuscular delivery of mRNA vaccines and systemic delivery of mRNA therapeutics without noticeable toxicity. 12T-O14 serves as a superior supplementary lipid to redirect liver-tropic LNPs to selectively target the lung or spleen via simple adjustment of the formulation.

ALC-0315 is an ionisable aminolipid that used for mRNA compaction and aids mRNA cellular delivery. ALC-0315 can be used to form lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery vehicles.

KC3-OA, chemically known as 3-((S)-2,2-di((Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine, is an ionizable cationic lipid (ICL) optimized for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations in nucleic acid delivery, particularly for mRNA vaccines. It features a unique structure with mono-unsaturated alkyl chains (C18:1), which enhances oxidative stability compared to polyunsaturated analogs like KC3, while maintaining efficient membrane fusion and endosomal escape capabilities. In LNP compositions, KC3-OA is typically incorporated at 46–54 mol% of total lipids, with an N/P ratio of 4–6 relative to mRNA, ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and transfection potency. Experimental data demonstrate that KC3-OA-based LNPs achieve superior mRNA expression in human dendritic cells, outperforming alternatives like KC3-PA or KC3-01 in both in vitro and in vivo models. For instance, in FIG. 2, KC3-OA LNPs showed ~2-fold higher mCherry expression at low mRNA doses (0.1 μg/mL) due to improved cellular uptake and reduced degradation. Its synergy with anionic phospholipids like DPPS (5 mol%) further enhances dendritic cell targeting via receptor-mediated internalization, leading to robust CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. This balance of stability, efficiency, and immunogenicity makes KC3-OA a leading candidate for next-generation vaccines.

Lipid VII is a novel ionizable cationic lipid developed by Sanofi.Lipid VII demonstrates exceptional performance as a lipid nanoparticle delivery system, combining high efficiency with outstanding safety. Cellular assays reveal VII achieves 180,000 RLU transfection efficiency under serum conditions, surpassing traditional SS-OP systems by 2.25-fold while maintaining perfect 100% cellular viability and eliminating cytotoxicity risks that plague alternatives. In vivo systemic delivery shows rapid whole-body biodistribution, reaching photon emission levels exceeding 1.00E+10 photons/sec within 48 hours. VII exhibits superior organ targeting with a liver-specific accumulation ratio of 9.0, outperforming SS-OP systems by 50%, while reducing off-target spleen accumulation by 20%. Its versatility is further validated in therapeutic protein expression, where structural analogs achieve erythropoietin concentrations of 14 ng/mL, exceeding industry standards by 180%. For vaccine applications, VII generates a median HAI titer of 7,611 against H1N1 influenza—540 times higher than baseline buffers and more than double the next-best formulation. This evidence establishes VII as a breakthrough technology, offering unmatched efficiency, precision targeting, and clinical-grade safety across diverse applications.

E12CA1A3 is an ionizable cationic lipid (pKa = 6.4) that has been used in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of mRNA in vitro and in vivo.1 LNPs containing E12CA1A3 and encapsulating an mRNA reporter induce luciferase reporter expression in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and mice. LNPs containing E12CA1A3 are cleared more rapidly from the liver than LNPs containing DLin-MC3-DMA (Item No. 34364) in mice.

Lipid88​​ is a high-performance, novel ionizable lipid component engineered for advanced mRNA-LNP vaccine delivery. LNP88 formulation demonstrates superior biodistribution, achieving >10-fold higher transfection efficiency in spleen and lymph nodes compared to benchmark lipids like ALC-0315 via intramuscular delivery. When encapsulating antigen-encoding mRNA (e.g., optimized mCSA construct), Lipid-88 based LNPs drive robust humoral and cellular immunity, enabling complete protection against challenging SARS-CoV-2 variants (WA1/2020, Omicron BA.1, BQ.1) in preclinical models. Its design prioritizes potent immunogenicity with favorable safety profiles.

A1-EP10-O18A​​ is an ​​asymmetric ionizable lipid​​ developed by Starna Therapeutics for mRNA vaccine delivery. Synthesized via Michael addition between amine alcohols and acrylates, its optimized structure—combining a hydrophilic C10 chain and hydrophobic unsaturated C18 tail—enables pH-dependent ionization. As the core component of the ​​STAR0225 lipid nanoparticle (LNP)​​ platform, it efficiently encapsulates mRNA and facilitates endosomal escape. Preclinical studies demonstrate superior in vivo mRNA delivery (vs. commercial SM102 LNPs), with enhanced local biodistribution and minimal off-target accumulation. This lipid underpins ​​STR-V003​​, an RSV prefusion F mRNA vaccine showing robust immunogenicity and protection in animal models, supporting its clinical transition (NCT06344975).

C12-TLRa is an adjuvant lipidoid. C12-TLRa substitution can enhance the immunogenicity of clinically relevant SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-LNP vaccines, which holds translational potential.

A2T2C9 (CP-LC-1465) is an imidazole-based ionizable lipid with branched hydrophobic chains and β-propionate linkers, formulated in four-component LNPs for spleen-targeted mRNA delivery. It achieves >80% spleen selectivity with protein expression exceeding 1×10⁷ p/s in mice, driven by its negative zeta potential (-9.7 to -19 mV). Structural features including imidazole polar head and branched acrylate (C9) enhance splenic tropism, potentially through distinct protein corona interactions. Demonstrated low cytotoxicity (>75% viability in splenic cells) and biodegradability via pH-sensitive linkers enable efficient mRNA delivery without permanent charged additives, outperforming conventional anionic SORT systems in selectivity and therapeutic potential.

Derived from the natural amino acid homocysteine, CP-LC-1428 is an ionizable cationic lipid that enables highly efficient in vivo delivery of multiple RNA formats (including mRNA, cRNA and saRNA) with robust protein expression. When formulated into standard LNPs (50:38.5:10:1.5 molar ratio of ionizable lipid:cholesterol:DOPE:PEG-lipid), it demonstrates superior spleen-selective targeting compared to conventional delivery systems following intravenous administration, while maintaining an excellent safety profile.

Derived from the natural amino acid homocysteine, CP-LC-1422 is an ionizable cationic lipid that enables robust in vivo delivery of various RNA forms (mRNA, cRNA, and saRNA), driving high protein expression. When formulated into LNPs (50/38.5/10/1.5 molar ratio of ionizable lipid/cholesterol/DOPE/PEG-lipid), it achieves superior spleen-specific targeting compared to commercial options through intravenous administration, while maintaining an excellent safety profile.

YK-TLR-001 is a cyclic acetal-based ionizable lipid for mRNA delivery. YK-TLR-001 LNPs are demonstrated to enhance mRNA expression in the spleens and to induce exceptional maturation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and to promote antigen presentation.

Lipid I97 is a vitamin B5-derived ionizable lipid for mRNA vaccine delivery. Lipid I97 LNP specifically delivers the mRNA to the spleen and lymph nodes in model mice, induces balanced Th1/Th2 immune responses, and elicits the production of high levels of neutralizing antibodies with low toxicity.

C6mPhE-383 is a top-performing ionizable lipid featuring an aromatic ring and a bioreducible disulfide bond. Formulated into lipid nanoparticles, it preferentially delivers mRNA to lymphoid tissues (lymph nodes/spleen) while minimizing off-target liver accumulation after intramuscular injection. In a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine study, it elicited strong antibody responses, promoted protective effector memory T cells, and exhibited enhanced safety by significantly reducing systemic inflammatory cytokines compared to the standard SM-102 LNP.