Description
HO-PEG-COOH (α-Hydroxyl-ω-Carboxyl Polyethylene Glycol)
HO-PEG-COOH (α-hydroxyl-ω-carboxyl poly(ethylene glycol)) is a linear heterofunctional PEG polymer featuring a hydroxyl group at one terminus and a carboxyl group at the other. The molecule includes a PEG spacer that provides flexibility, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility.
This heterobifunctional structure makes HO-PEG-COOH a versatile cross-linking and conjugation reagent, widely used in polymer chemistry, bioconjugation, and material science applications.
The carboxyl end is typically connected through a short methylene linker (–CH₂–), commonly referred to as AA (acetic acid) or CM (carboxymethyl) PEG derivatives.
Key Applications
- Cross-linking of biomolecules and polymers
- Surface modification of nanoparticles and biomaterials
- PEGylation and bioconjugation chemistry
- Drug delivery system development
- Preparation of functional PEG-based linkers
Functional Advantages
- Heterobifunctional structure enables directional conjugation
- Hydrophilic PEG spacer improves solubility and reduces non-specific interactions
- Flexible linker enhances reaction efficiency
- Suitable for diverse coupling chemistries (amide, ester, etc.)
