2-Arm PEG

2-Arm PEG is a multi-arm PEG where each arm can have functional groups attached to the end and attached to the hexaglyceride core. BOC Sciences offers different 2-Arm PEG products with molecular weights such as MW 2kDa, MW 5kDa, etc. We also offer 2-Arm PEG derivatives with carboxyl, aldehyde, amine, maleimide, NHS, and thiol groups, etc. 2-Arm PEG is a high-purity, low-dispersed PEG derivative with major applications as active compounds for new drug release, nanotechnology, peptide synthesis support, and functional coatings modified with PEG.

What is Y-shaped 2-arm PEG?

The Y-shape in 2-Arm PEG refers to a molecular structure that resembles the shape of the letter "Y", where a central core connects two PEG branches. In a Y-structure, the central core is a covalently bound central unit, commonly exemplified by dimercaptoethanol or disulfide. This structure helps to control drug release and delivery to improve drug stability, solubility and targeting.

Fig. 1. Structure of Y-shape PEG.

Examples of 2-Arm PEG

2-Arm PEG-COOH

The carboxylic acid moiety in 2-Arm PEG-COOH is reactive and can participate in a variety of chemical reactions, such as esterification or amidation, allowing other molecules or compounds to be attached to the PEG chain. 2-Arm PEG-COOH provides versatility in the design of drug delivery systems, biofixes or surface modifications.

Y-shape-PEG-fluorescein

Y-shape-PEG-fluorescein is a 2-arm PEG derivative containing a fluorescein moiety that can be used to fluorescently monitor the polyethylene glycolization reaction of Y-shape PEG. Fluorescein, commonly referred to as FITC, is a common fluorescent tracer used in biology to stain cells, tissues, biomarkers or nanoparticles. Fluorescent PEG is commonly used for PEGylation to excitedly label or tag biomolecules and nanoparticles. Due to its larger spatial structure, Y-shape PEG is more selective than linear PEG.

Y-shape-PEG-Propionaldehyde

Y-shape-PEG-Propionaldehyde is a high-quality, multi-armed PEG derivative with two linear methoxypolyethylene glycol termini and a linear polyethylene glycol-modified linear polyethylene glycol. Y-shaped propionaldehyde PEG reacts with N-terminal amines in the presence of a reducing agent at pH 5-8. The PEG chains inhibit the non-specific binding of charged molecules to the modified surface. In contrast, the Y-shaped PEG derivatives are chemically purified during synthesis and contain almost no activated bifunctional PEG by-products.

Advantages of 2-Arm PEG in Surface Modification

• Anti-protein adsorption - Due to the high hydrophilicity and softness of the PEG chains, 2-Arm PEG has good anti-protein adsorption properties, which can effectively reduce the adsorption of proteins on the surface of the material. This helps reduce problems such as immunoreactivity and thrombosis on the surface of biomaterials.
• Chemical tunability - The properties of 2-Arm PEG can be tuned by changing the length of the PEG chain, the chemistry of the end groups, etc.
• Stability - 2-Arm PEG has high stability during use or storage to maintain its own properties and efficacy.

Applications of 2-Arm PEG in Biomedical Materials

• Scaffold materials: Such as 3D Bioprinting scaffolds or nanofiber scaffolds.
• Surface coating: 2-Arm PEG can be applied to the surface layer of medical devices to reduce infection and rejection.
• Hydrogels: 2-Arm PEG is used as a hydrogel component to provide support and three-dimensional structure to promote cell growth and tissue regeneration.