PLGA-PEG-Tetrazine (PLGA-PEG-Tz)

Description

General Description

PLGA-PEG-Tetrazine (PLGA-PEG-Tz) is a functional biodegradable block copolymer consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer, and a terminal tetrazine (Tz) functional group.

The hydrophobic PLGA block provides a biodegradable polymer domain suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic compounds and forming polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and other self-assembled nanostructures. The PEG segment improves aqueous dispersibility and colloidal stability while presenting the tetrazine functionality at the nanoparticle surface.

Tetrazine reacts rapidly and selectively with strained dienophiles, particularly trans-cyclooctene (TCO), through the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reaction. This bioorthogonal click reaction proceeds under mild conditions without copper or other catalysts.

PLGA-PEG-Tetrazine can be used to conjugate TCO-functionalized peptides, proteins, antibodies, targeting ligands, fluorophores, drugs, and other molecules to PLGA-based nanoparticles. It is particularly useful for targeted nanocarrier development, bioorthogonal labeling, molecular imaging, and advanced drug delivery systems.

Applications

• Tetrazine-TCO click chemistry
• IEDDA bioorthogonal conjugation
• Polymeric nanoparticle preparation
• Nanoparticle surface functionalization
• Protein and peptide conjugation
• Antibody conjugation
• Targeting ligand attachment
• Molecular imaging
• Targeted drug delivery
• Biomaterials research

Features and Benefits

• Biodegradable PLGA block
• Hydrophilic PEG spacer
• Terminal tetrazine functionality
• Rapid reaction with TCO
• Highly selective IEDDA click chemistry
• Copper-free and catalyst-free conjugation
• Suitable for bioorthogonal labeling
• Tunable PLGA and PEG molecular weights
• Tunable lactide ratio
• Custom compositions available