Description
Lipoic Acid-PEG-NHS is a versatile heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol derivative designed for surface engineering and biomolecule conjugation. The lipoic acid group contains a cyclic disulfide structure that exhibits strong binding to gold, silver, and various metal surfaces. Upon reduction, the lipoic acid moiety generates thiol functionalities capable of further conjugation and surface immobilization.
The NHS ester readily reacts with primary amines present in peptides, proteins, antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules under mild conditions to form stable amide bonds. The PEG spacer improves water solubility, biocompatibility, and flexibility while minimizing steric hindrance. LA-PEG-NHS is frequently used in nanoparticle modification, biosensor fabrication, targeted drug delivery, and biomedical research.
Applications
- Gold nanoparticle functionalization
- Surface modification
- Biosensor development
- Protein conjugation
- Antibody conjugation
- Peptide conjugation
- Nanoparticle engineering
- Drug delivery systems
- Diagnostic applications
- Biomaterials research
Features and Benefits
- Lipoic acid anchoring group
- Reactive NHS ester functionality
- Strong affinity for gold and metal surfaces
- Forms stable amide linkages with amines
- Hydrophilic PEG spacer
- Excellent aqueous solubility
- Improves biocompatibility
- Reduces steric hindrance during conjugation
- Available in multiple PEG molecular weights
