1-Palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine

1-Palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PPC) is a phospholipid that is commonly used in research and industrial applications. It is a zwitterionic molecule, meaning that it has both a positively charged and a negatively charged region, which allows it to interact with other charged molecules in solution. PPC is often used as a model membrane component in studies of lipid bilayers and cell membranes. It is also used in the formulation of liposomes, which are spherical vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers. Liposomes are used in drug delivery and as models for studying membrane transport and permeability. From a chemical perspective, PPC is composed of a glycerol backbone, a phosphate group, a choline head group, and a palmitoyl fatty acid tail. The palmitoyl tail is a saturated fatty acid, meaning that it does not contain any double bonds between carbon atoms. The presence of this tail gives PPC its hydrophobic character, allowing it to interact with other hydrophobic molecules in solution. Overall, PPC is a versatile and widely used phospholipid that plays an important role in both research and industry. Its unique chemical structure and properties make it a valuable tool for studying the properties of biological membranes and developing new drug delivery systems.