Flourescent PEG

Synonyms: FITC PEG

Fluorescent PEG (polyethylene glycol) is a PEG that has been modified to have fluorescent properties. By making PEG fluorescent, it can be used to track or visualize specific molecules or cells in biological samples. Fluorescent PEGs can be prepared by attaching fluorescent dyes or molecules to PEG chains or by adding fluorescent monomers during PEG synthesis. Mechanistically, fluorescent PEGs emit light when excited by light of a specific wavelength. The emission wavelength and intensity depend on the type of fluorescent molecule and the excitation wavelength. Therefore, fluorescent PEG has been used as a tracer for in vivo imaging, making it useful for biomedical research. It can also be engineered to have specific bioavailability properties that allow it to accumulate in certain tissues, cells or organelles.

Characteristics of Fluorescent PEG

• High stability and biocompatibility
• Luorescence emission in a specific wavelength range
• Controlled surface charge and particle size
• Variable degree of hydrophilicity
• High drug loading capacity

Manufacturing Process of Fluorescent PEG

• Synthesis of PEG: The first step is the synthesis of PEG, which is accomplished by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. The reaction is catalyzed by bases such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
• Modification of PEG with fluorescent dyes: The next step is to modify PEG with fluorescent dyes. This is done by reacting PEG with fluorescent dyes such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (such as FITC-PEG-Biotin) or rhodamine (such as mPEG-Rhodamine). The reaction is usually performed under controlled conditions in a solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).
• Purification of fluorescent PEG: After modification, fluorescent PEG is purified to remove any unreacted reagents or impurities. This is usually done by dialysis or gel filtration chromatography.
• Characterization of fluorescent PEG: The final step is the characterization of the fluorescent PEG to ensure that it has the desired properties. This is done by various analytical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis.

Applications of Fluorescent PEG

• Visualizing and tracking the uptake and distribution of nanoparticles/cells/drugs in vivo or in vitro.
• Monitoring drug release and biodistribution over time.
• Targeted drug delivery to tumor cells or other specific sites in the body.
• Multimodal imaging for improved accuracy and sensitivity.
• Selective imaging of individual cells or subcellular compartments.
• Fluorescence-based biosensing applications.
• Environmental monitoring and analysis of pollutants or pathogens.

Our Fluorescent PEG Supply Capabilities

As a leading supplier of chemical products, BOC Sciences can meet customers' PEG needs in small batches and large batches. We can offer a range of fluorescent PEG derivatives with different fluorescent dyes and PEG chain lengths. Customers can choose from our catalog or request custom synthesis based on their specific needs. We have a global distribution network that can provide timely delivery services to customers around the world. Contact us for more information on fluorescent PEG products.

Reference

1. Ernesto, R. et al. Facile Obtainment of Fluorescent PEG Hydrogels Bearing Pyrene Groups by Frontal Polymerization. Polymers. 2023, 15(7): 1687.