02274nas a2200217   4500008004100000022001400041245010200055210006900157260000800226300001100234490000700245520154100252653001801793653002401811653002101835653002101856100001701877700001601894700002001910856012601930       2025                        eng d  a1613-681000aA Molecular View of Lipid Nanoparticles: Insights into their Morphology and Structural Plasticity0 aMolecular View of Lipid Nanoparticles Insights into their Morpho  cOCT  ae054040 v213 a<p>
	Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as versatile delivery vehicles for nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Despite their increasing importance, the molecular structure and physico-chemical characteristics of LNPs still remain unclear. In this review, the structural features and phase behavior of LNPs are highlighted. First, the various compositional elements, such as cationic lipids, helper lipids and sterols are discussed, illustrating their functional roles in the self-assembly and stability of LNPs. Molecular models derived from experimental and computational approaches are discussed to provide insights into the structural organization of the LNP components. The influence of sterols and helper lipids in modulating LNP architectures, including membrane fluidity and phase separation, which are key factors for both fusion potential and endosomal escape, is discussed. Variations in sterol content and headgroup chemistry can induce transitions from lamellar to non-lamellar structures, thereby influencing gene transfection outcomes. Further, how cationic lipids induce structural phase transitions, such as lamellar-to-hexagonal and inverse cubic rearrangements under physiological and acidic pH, mimicking extracellular and endosomal conditions, are described. These transitions play a pivotal role in ribonucleic acid (RNA) release and membrane fusion events. This comprehensive review allows to reconcile molecular and structural dynamics that would be necessary for rational design of RNA delivery systems.</p>
10adrug delivery10alipid nanoparticles10aphase separation10avaccine delivery1 aPorte, Sudha1 aVadhana, V.1 aSengupta, Durba  uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/molecular-view-lipid-nanoparticles-insights-their-morphology-and-structural-plasticity