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Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs and PEOs)

Polyethylene glycol chemical structure written as chemical formula C2H4O

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), also known as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or poly(oxyethylene) (POE), is a synthetic, hydrophilic and biocompatible polyether. Typically, materials with molecular weight less than 20,000 g/mol are referred to as PEGs, whereas those with molecular weights above 20,000 g/mol are referred to as PEOs. These polymers are soluble in water as well as in many organic solvents, such as ethanol, acetonitrile, toluene, acetone, dichloromethane, hexane, and chloroform.

Applications of PEGs

PEGs are non-toxic and commonly used in bioconjugation and surface functionalization applications, biomedical research, drug delivery, tissue engineering, as well as the food and cosmetics industries. The conjugation or non-covalent attachment of PEG polymer chains to molecules is referred to as PEGylation. The PEGylation method can enhance water biocompatibility and solubility, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutics to improve their safety and efficiency in targeted diagnostics and drug delivery. PEG hydrogels are commonly used for the controlled release of therapeutics, cell culture scaffolds, regenerative medicine, wound healing, and tissue engineering.

PEG Derivatives and PEG Linkers

We offer a broad portfolio of well-defined PEGs with a wide range of molecular weights, end functionalities, reactivities, and polymer architectures.

  • Heterobifunctional PEGs
  • Homobifunctional PEGs
  • Monofunctional PEGs
  • PEG Dendrimers and Multi-Arm PEGS
  • PEG Copolymers
  • PEG Standards for GPC
  • PEG and Oligo Ethylene Glycol
  • Polyethylene oxide Powders
  • High Oligomer Purity PEGs

For more in-depth information, including the four general characterizations, key industrial applications, and related products, please explore our Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) Brochure.

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