C18-PEG4-MAL, PEG MW 176 Da

C18-PEG4-MAL, also known as C18-PEG4-maleimide, is a specialized linker molecule used in bioconjugation and drug delivery systems. Here are some key applications of C18-PEG4-MAL:

Targeted Drug Delivery: C18-PEG4-MAL can be used for targeted drug delivery by conjugating therapeutic agents to targeting ligands. The maleimide group reacts with thiol groups on proteins or peptides, allowing for the precise attachment of drug molecules. This ensures targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues, improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Nanoparticle Functionalization: C18-PEG4-MAL is employed in the functionalization of nanoparticles to enhance their stability and biocompatibility. The hydrophobic C18 tail integrates into lipid bilayers or hydrophobic cores, while the PEG spacer provides a hydrophilic surface, improving solubility and circulation time. This makes nanoparticles more effective for drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic purposes.

Protein Modification: Researchers use C18-PEG4-MAL to modify proteins with PEG chains, a process known as PEGylation. This modification can enhance protein stability and solubility, reduce immunogenicity, and extend circulating half-life. PEGylated proteins are widely used in therapeutic formulations to improve pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic efficacy.

Bio-orthogonal Chemistry: C18-PEG4-MAL is useful in bio-orthogonal chemistry, where it serves as a versatile linker for bioconjugation reactions. The maleimide group selectively reacts with thiols, enabling site-specific labeling of biomolecules, such as antibodies, enzymes, and nucleic acids. This application is crucial for creating biomolecular probes, biosensors, and targeted therapeutic agents.