Description
General Description
Stearic Acid-mPEG (SA-mPEG) is a non-functionalized lipid-PEG conjugate composed of stearic acid (C18:0) covalently linked to monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG). The hydrophobic stearic acid moiety efficiently inserts into lipid membranes, liposomes, micelles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and other self-assembled nanocarriers, whereas the hydrophilic mPEG chain forms a hydrated steric barrier that improves colloidal stability, reduces protein adsorption, prolongs blood circulation, and enhances biocompatibility.
Unlike heterobifunctional lipid-PEG derivatives, SA-mPEG possesses a terminal methoxy group, making it chemically inert while providing excellent stealth properties. It is widely used to reduce nonspecific interactions, improve nanoparticle stability, minimize aggregation, and extend the circulation half-life of lipid-based drug delivery systems.
Stearic Acid-mPEG is extensively employed in liposome formulation, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric micelles, emulsions, nanomedicine, vaccine delivery, and pharmaceutical formulation development.
Applications
- Liposome formulation
- Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) preparation
- Polymeric micelle formation
- Nanoparticle PEGylation
- Surface passivation
- Long-circulating drug delivery systems
- Vaccine formulation
- Pharmaceutical formulation
- Nanomedicine research
- Biomaterials research
Features and Benefits
- Hydrophobic stearic acid anchor
- Hydrophilic methoxy PEG chain
- Chemically inert methoxy terminus
- Excellent steric stabilization
- Reduces protein adsorption
- Improves nanoparticle stability
- Outstanding biocompatibility
- Research-grade quality
