New cationic lipids for gene transfer with high efficiency and low toxicity: T-shape cholesterol ester derivatives

New degradable cationic ester lipids with ‘T-shapeʹ configurations were synthesized and tested for gene delivery carrier. Their transfection efficiency and toxicity were compared with commercially available cationic lipids, DOTMA, DOSPA, and DC-Chol. They showed efficient transfection activity and almost no toxicity on mammalian cell lines. Their ester bond degradation was monitored by 1H NMR.