Stealthlipiden

Stealthlipiden are synthetic lipid molecules designed to render vesicles and lipid-based nanoparticles less visible to the immune system, thereby extending their circulation time after administration. The concept is central to stealth liposome technology and related formulations used in biomedical research and clinical development.

Design often involves increasing the hydrophilicity of the particle surface and reducing protein adsorption. Common approaches include attaching poly(ethylene glycol) chains to lipid headgroups (PEGylation), employing zwitterionic or phosphorylcholine-like heads, and tuning the length and saturation of hydrophobic tails to maintain membrane stability.

Synthesis and incorporation are achieved through standard lipid-chemistry techniques. Stealthlipiden are mixed with conventional phospholipids during liposome preparation by methods such as thin-film hydration, ethanol injection, or microfluidic assembly, enabling controlled size, charge, and drug-loading properties.

Applications span drug delivery, diagnostic imaging, and gene therapy. By reducing opsonization and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system, stealthlipiden-based carriers can improve pharmacokinetics, enable higher payloads, and extend tissue exposure in tumors or inflamed sites.

Safety and regulatory considerations center on immunogenicity, particularly for PEG-related components, potential accumulation in clearance organs, and long-term biocompatibility. Evaluation includes in vitro assays and in vivo biodistribution, with ongoing research into non-immunogenic alternatives and standardized characterization.