SM-102 as an Ionizable Lipid Benchmark for mRNA-LNP Formulation Workflows

Lipid nanoparticle research compounds

SM-102 as an Ionizable Lipid Benchmark for mRNA-LNP Formulation Workflows

SM-102 is a recognized ionizable lipid used in lipid nanoparticle research for messenger RNA delivery systems. For formulation scientists and analytical teams, it provides a defined molecular reference point for studying how lipid chemistry, particle composition, and process conditions influence mRNA-LNP performance.

Why SM-102 Matters in LNP Development

Ionizable lipids are central to many mRNA lipid nanoparticle designs because their charge behavior can support RNA complexation during formulation while limiting permanent cationic character under physiological conditions. SM-102 is frequently used in research workflows focused on encapsulation, nanoparticle assembly, particle-size control, and mRNA delivery readouts.

For laboratories developing lipid nanoparticle systems, SM-102 offers a well-established comparator lipid for formulation screening. It can be evaluated alongside cholesterol, DSPC, PEG-lipids, aqueous buffer systems, and microfluidic mixing parameters to examine how composition and processing affect nanoparticle attributes.

Product Highlight

SM-102 [CAS 2089251-47-6] from QuantiMol is supplied for research workflows involving lipid nanoparticles, nucleic acid delivery systems, and ionizable lipid formulation studies. The compound is relevant for scientists investigating mRNA-LNP composition, analytical characterization, and formulation comparability.

Compound Snapshot

  • Product name: SM-102
  • CAS number: 2089251-47-6
  • Molecular formula: C44H87NO5
  • Molecular weight: 710.17
  • Product type: Ionizable amino lipid / LNP research compound
  • Target category: Liposome / lipid nanoparticle research
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From Lipid Identity to Formulation Readout

SM-102 is most relevant when considered as part of a lipid nanoparticle system rather than as an isolated small-molecule reagent. In mRNA-LNP studies, the ionizable lipid is evaluated with helper lipids, PEG-lipid components, aqueous-to-organic mixing conditions, pH environment, nucleic acid loading, and downstream particle characterization.

This system-level role makes compound identity, purity, and lot-to-lot traceability important for reproducible formulation work. Researchers using SM-102-containing nanoparticles commonly examine particle size distribution, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, surface charge, mRNA integrity, and expression-related readouts.

Research positioning: SM-102 is a practical benchmark compound for laboratories building, comparing, or optimizing ionizable lipid nanoparticle platforms where formulation reproducibility and analytical control are essential.

Analytical Control in SM-102-Based LNP Studies

As lipid nanoparticle workflows progress from exploratory formulation toward translational research, analytical control becomes increasingly important. SM-102 may be assessed as a neat lipid, as a stock solution, or as one component within a multicomponent nanoparticle matrix. Each context creates a different analytical requirement.

Identity and purity assessment

For lipid component qualification, researchers may use chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods to confirm molecular identity, evaluate purity, and monitor related substances where method scope allows. Accurate compound metadata such as CAS number, formula, molecular weight, and structural descriptors supports consistent procurement and analytical documentation.

LNP composition and formulation comparability

In formulated systems, SM-102 is typically considered alongside cholesterol, phospholipid, PEG-lipid, and RNA cargo. Analytical workflows may include HPLC, LC-MS, particle sizing, and orthogonal characterization methods designed to monitor lipid composition, particle attributes, and formulation consistency.

Screening across delivery variables

Because mRNA-LNP behavior can be sensitive to lipid ratio, buffer composition, mixing method, and processing conditions, SM-102 can serve as a fixed ionizable lipid component while other formulation variables are adjusted. This supports clearer interpretation of how formulation design influences nanoparticle properties and experimental readouts.

Typical Research Applications

  • Preparation of SM-102-containing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery research.
  • Benchmarking ionizable lipid behavior in LNP formulation screening studies.
  • Comparative evaluation of LNP compositions containing cholesterol, DSPC, PEG-lipids, and nucleic acid cargo.
  • LC-MS, HPLC, or orthogonal analytical method development for lipid component identity and formulation characterization.
  • Research into relationships between ionizable lipid structure, nanoparticle assembly, encapsulation efficiency, and mRNA expression readouts.
  • Development of reference workflows for LNP formulation, process optimization, and preclinical delivery studies.

Product Specifications

  • Product name: SM-102 [CAS 2089251-47-6]
  • CAS number: 2089251-47-6
  • Molecular formula: C44H87NO5
  • Molecular weight: 710.17
  • SMILES: O=C(OC(CCCCCCCC)CCCCCCCC)CCCCCCCN(CCO)CCCCCC(OCCCCCCCCCCC)=O
  • Product category: Ionizable amino lipid / lipid nanoparticle research compound
  • Target category listed by QuantiMol: Liposome
  • Available sizes listed by QuantiMol: 10 mM - 1 mL, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 1 g
  • SKU family listed by QuantiMol: QM-0144759
  • Purity listed by QuantiMol: 99.97
  • Solubility listed by QuantiMol: DMSO 100 mg/mL with ultrasonic treatment; ethanol ≥ 100 mg/mL
  • Research use only.

Further Reading

Source SM-102 for LNP and mRNA Delivery Research

QuantiMol supplies SM-102 for research teams working at the interface of ionizable lipid chemistry, nanoparticle formulation, and analytical characterization. For pricing, documentation, and project-specific sourcing support, review the product page or contact the QuantiMol team.

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