1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-sn-glycerol sodium salt (CAS 4537-78-4)

1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-sn-glycerol sodium salt, often abbreviated as DSPG-Na, is a synthetic phospholipid frequently used in biophysical research to study the properties and dynamics of lipid bilayers. This molecule consists of a glycerol backbone to which two stearic acid chains are attached at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, contributing to the formation of highly rigid and stable lipid bilayers. The presence of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, enhances the bilayer′s stability and decreases its fluidity, making DSPG-Na an excellent model for studying membrane dynamics under controlled conditions. The sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone is linked to a phosphate group connected to another glycerol, introducing a negative charge that is neutralized by a sodium ion. This structural feature makes DSPG-Na particularly useful for exploring the interactions within negatively charged membranes and their influence on various cellular processes such as vesicle formation, membrane fusion, and protein-lipid interactions. Researchers leverage DSPG-Na to simulate the anionic nature of certain cellular membranes, thereby providing insights into the structural and functional roles of lipids in membrane biology, without focusing on pharmaceutical or therapeutic applications.