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Functionalized PEG Lipids

BOC Sciences offers a wide range of PEG lipid derivatives with different molecular weights and functional groups. Our products are stable and high quality and can meet all your needs from research to commercial applications. PEG lipids are compounds synthesized from lipid molecules with PEG chains. The main characteristics of functionalized PEG lipids are that they have both the hydrophobicity and drug delivery properties of lipids and the water solubility and biocompatibility of PEG. In addition, according to different functional groups, they also provide richer functions and can be applied in a wider range of fields.

Fig. 1. PEG-lipids for the composition of multifunctional liposomes (Biomaterials. 2013, 34(4): 1179-1192).

Examples of Functionalized PEG Lipids

DSG-PEG 2000

DSG-PEG 2000 is a functionalized PEG lipid with two thioether group functionalities. This means that at the ends of the polyethylene glycol chain, there is a reactive functional group capable of forming covalent linkages with other molecules in the form of thioether bonds.

DMG-PEG 2000

DMG has a disulfide ether functional group and a glycine ester functional group that can react with sulfhydryl groups in other molecules to form disulfide bonds and thus cross-linking. PEG 2000 has a long polymer chain that provides good water solubility and biocompatibility.

Structural Features of Functionalized PEG Lipids

Lipid Fraction

Lipids are the main backbone of functionalized PEG lipids. Common lipids include phospholipids or glycerolipids, which are mainly responsible for providing hydrophobicity and drug-delivery properties.

PEG Chain

The PEG chain usually consists of repeating glycol units, the length of which can be adjusted as needed.

Functional Groups

Functionalized PEG lipids can have different functional groups introduced into the PEG chain to give them specific properties and functions. The choice of functional groups depends on the desired application, such as targeting, fluorescent labeling, cross-linking ability, etc. These functional groups can include amine groups, carboxyl groups, thiol groups, alkynyl groups, aromatic groups, etc.

Tunable Linkers

In order to connect the lipid fraction to the PEG chain and the functional groups, these connectors can be disulfide, ester, amide, etc., and their selection depends on the stability of the connection and the reaction conditions. By rationally designing and assembling these components, functionalized PEG lipids can achieve a balance between hydrophobic lipids and water-soluble PEGs, while possessing specific functional groups to meet different application requirements.

Attaching PEG chains to lipid molecules will increase their hydrophilicity, water solubility, and drug stability. PEG lipid nanoparticles formed by attaching PEG chains to lipids have unique surface properties known as the "PEG peripheral effect" or "PEG laser effect". This effect prolongs the circulation time of the nanoparticles in the body and reduces their recognition and clearance by phagocytes, thereby increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the drug delivery system. In addition, targeting ligands or antibodies can be introduced into the PEG chain to give the PEG lipids the ability to target specific cells or tissues. In this way, drugs can be delivered more precisely to the target area, increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the impact on healthy tissue.

If you are interested in our PEG derivatives, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Mitchell, N. et al. Incorporation of paramagnetic, fluorescent and PET/SPECT contrast agents into liposomes for multimodal imaging. Biomaterials. 2013, 34(4): 1179-1192.

Related Link

• mPEG Phospholipids