Description
DSPE-PEG-COOH (Carboxyl-terminated DSPE-PEG)
DSPE-PEG-COOH (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-PEG-succinic acid, also known as N-succinyl-L-α-phosphatidylethanolamine, distearoyl) is a DSPE-PEG conjugate terminated with a carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group at the distal end of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain.
This amphiphilic molecule is widely used in the preparation of long-circulating liposomes and lipid-based nanocarriers, where the DSPE lipid anchors into the lipid bilayer and the PEG spacer provides steric stabilization and improved biocompatibility.
The terminal carboxyl group remains exposed on the liposome surface, enabling further chemical modification and bioconjugation with amine-containing molecules such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, or ligands.
Key Applications
- Preparation of long-circulating PEGylated liposomes
- Surface functionalization of lipid nanoparticles
- Targeted drug and gene delivery systems
- Covalent conjugation with biomolecules (via -COOH chemistry)
- Nanocarrier engineering for biomedical research
Functional Advantages
- Provides stable PEGylated lipid membranes
- Extends blood circulation time of nanocarriers
- Offers reactive carboxyl groups for further modification
- Enhances biocompatibility and reduces nonspecific adsorption
- Suitable for targeted delivery system design
Summary
DSPE-PEG-COOH is a functional lipid–PEG conjugate designed for stable, long-circulating liposomes with reactive carboxyl groups for downstream bioconjugation and targeted drug delivery applications.
