1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-glycerol sodium salt (CAS 200880-42-8)

1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-glycerol sodium salt, commonly referred to as DSPG-Na, is a synthetic phospholipid that is integral to studies involving the structure and function of lipid bilayers. Composed of a glycerol backbone with two stearic acid chains esterified at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, DSPG-Na forms highly rigid and less fluid lipid bilayers, mimicking the saturated lipid environment found in some biological membranes. The phospho-glycerol headgroup at the sn-3 position, negatively charged and counterbalanced by sodium, enables DSPG-Na to simulate the anionic properties of cell membranes, particularly useful in research focused on membrane dynamics and interactions. This compound is extensively used in biophysical experiments to explore how the presence of negatively charged lipids affects the behavior of proteins and other biomolecules within membranes, contributing significantly to our understanding of processes like vesicle formation, membrane fusion, and the structural roles of specific lipid compositions. DSPG-Na′s utility in these non-clinical applications provides essential insights into fundamental cellular mechanisms, helping to expand our knowledge of membrane biology without any direct therapeutic or pharmaceutical implications.