An In-Depth Analysis of 1,2-Distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC): From Physicochemical Properties to Advanced Pharmaceutical Applications

Executive Summary

1,2-Distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) is a fully saturated, synthetic phospholipid that has emerged as an indispensable excipient in the field of advanced drug delivery. While its primary role is to serve as a structural component in lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), its function extends far beyond that of an inert scaffold. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of DSPC, synthesizing data on its chemical identity, physicochemical characteristics, pharmacological activity, and regulatory standing to present a holistic view of its significance in modern medicine.

The defining feature of DSPC is its high main phase transition temperature () of approximately 55°C. This property ensures that at physiological temperature (37°C), DSPC-based lipid bilayers exist in a highly ordered, rigid "gel" phase. This physical state confers exceptional structural stability and low permeability to drug delivery systems, minimizing premature drug leakage and extending the shelf-life of pharmaceutical products. These characteristics have made DSPC a cornerstone lipid in formulations requiring long systemic circulation times and controlled release kinetics. Its utility is exemplified by its inclusion in several clinically approved products, most notably as a critical structural component in the LNP formulations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, where it provides the necessary stability to protect the fragile mRNA payload.