What is Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol (mPEG)?

Methoxy PEG

Methoxy PEG (mPEG) is the abbreviation of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether. It is a water-soluble linear polymer made from ethylene oxide through the addition reaction. Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether is a derivative of polyethylene glycol. It is soluble in water, ethanol and most highly polar organic solvents. It is less volatile than glycerin, has stable chemical properties, is not easily damaged by hydrolysis, and has strong hydrophilicity. Generally, the two ends of polyethylene glycol can be connected to biomolecules such as proteins and peptides. mPEG is polyethylene glycol capped with a methoxy group at one end. Therefore, only one end of mPEG can be used to attach modified proteins, peptides, and other materials.

Uses of Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol

mPEG is a commonly used pharmaceutical excipient. For a long time, mPEG has been widely used in various pharmaceutical preparations such as soft (milk) ointments, suppositories, pills, hard capsules, eye drops, injections, and tablets. Additionally, it has been extensively studied as a component of drug delivery systems. In daily cosmetics, mPEG has a solubilizing effect and is suitable for the manufacture of various high-quality cosmetics. Adding mPEG to cosmetic formulations can improve the skin's ability to absorb additives. mPEG can also be used as an emulsifying aid and plasticizer in soap making to retain the scent of soap and improve lathering. In the textile industry, mPEG can be used as spinning aids, sizing agent components, solvents and dispersants for dyeing operations. Solid powder PEG has good film-forming properties, lubrication and plasticizing properties. It is used to treat fiber additives, which can soften, plasticize and refine fabrics and inhibit the accumulation of static electricity.

Fig. 1. mPEG in drug delivery (International journal of nanomedicine. 2021, 16: 3679-3694).

As PEG research continues, mPEG can be used to develop new formulations for drug delivery systems. At present, researchers are exploring the possibility of mPEG polymers to develop targeted drug delivery systems. Another widely studied field is the development of biodegradable polymers based on mPEG. With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials, biodegradable alternatives to traditional polymers are needed. Researchers are exploring the use of mPEG-based polymers as sustainable alternatives to a variety of applications, including packaging and agricultural products. In addition, research on the use of mPEG in 3D printing applications is ongoing. Researchers are exploring the use of mPEG-based polymers as support materials for 3D printing and as materials for manufacturing tissue-engineered bioabsorbable implants and scaffolds.

Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol 2000

Methoxy polyethylene glycol 2000 (mPEG 2000) stands out as a prevalent variant of methoxy PEG, denoting a polymer with an average molecular weight of 2000. This mPEG 2000 substance, a transparent and colorless liquid possessing an absence of odor, demonstrates solubility in water and an array of organic solvents. Notably, this compound exhibits non-toxic and non-irritating properties, rendering it a safe candidate for integration within the realms of drug and cosmetic development and production. Furthermore, mPEG 2000 boasts low viscosity and exceptional stability, thereby facilitating effortless handling and storage. Within the pharmaceutical domain, mPEG 2000 assumes a pivotal role in enhancing the solubility of insoluble drugs, frequently serving as a solubilizer and emulsifier in pharmaceutical formulations. Moreover, the versatile mPEG 2000 extends its utility as a stabilizer in protein formulations, effectively safeguarding proteins against denaturation and aggregation.

Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta

mPEG has found remarkable utilization in the advancement of mPEG-epoetin beta, a pharmaceutical agent designated for the management of anemia. mPEG-epoetin beta represents a variant of erythropoietin, a hormone renowned for its role in stimulating the generation of red blood cells. The incorporation of mPEG into erythropoietin beta has significantly enhanced its pharmacokinetic attributes, resulting in decreased dosing frequency and heightened patient adherence. The integration of mPEG in mPEG-epoetin beta has fundamentally transformed the landscape of anemia therapy, affording patients a more convenient and efficacious treatment alternative.

Representative Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol

BOC Sciences has the capability to supply PEG compounds in various grades and quantities, with molecular weights from 500 to 40,000. We have a robust supply chain that can provide mPEG derivatives in both small quantities (mg) and large quantities (hundreds of kilograms). In addition, we are also able to provide customized solutions for PEG and PEGylation technical support to help customers meet their specific requirements for PEG. Representative mPEGs we provide include but are not limited to:

Reference

1. Chen, Y. et al. Combination of Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy with Oxygen Self-Supply in the Form of Mutual Assistance for Cancer Therapy. International journal of nanomedicine. 2021, 16: 3679-3694.