Main applications of polyethylene glycol (PEG)
March 13, 2023
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic polymer material with biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, which has a wide range of applications in biomedicine and other fields. Polyethylene glycol is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide and alkane, generating a large amount of molecular weight and its distribution, while different polyethylene glycol has only one precise molecular weight. Polyethylene glycol can activate the conjugation and cross-linking chemical reaction by replacing the non-terminated light group with multiple reactive functional end groups.
How is polyethylene glycol used?
Polyethylene glycol is FDA approved, non-immunogenic, non-toxic, and often used in a wide range of biomedical applications, including drug delivery, biological conjugation, tissue engineering and surface functionalization. Polyethylene glycol bio-coupling, also known as polyethylene glycolation, is the covalent coupling of protein, skin, oligonucleotide and other drug targets with polyethylene glycol to improve the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs.
In drug delivery applications, polyethylene glycol can be used as the linker of antibody-drug coupling compound (ADC) or as the surface coating of nanoparticles to enhance systemic drug delivery. Polyethylene glycol hydrogel is a water swelling three-dimensional polymer, which has the characteristics of anti biodegradation and protein adhesion.
PEG hydrogels are synthesized by cross-linking the reactive polyethylene glycol end groups, which are widely used in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Types of polyethylene glycol
The molecular weight of polyethylene glycol is measured by combining several ethylene glycol units into each polyethylene glycol, ranging from about 300 grams per mole to about 300 grams per mole.
10000.000 grams per mole. The molecular weight determines the characteristics of each type of polyethylene glycol. Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, each polymer contains 2-4 glycol.
Polyethylene glycol containing up to 700 ethylene units in each polymer product is a viscous transparent liquid. Polyethylene glycol with about 1000 or more units per polymer material is a waxy solid.
Characteristics of polyethylene glycol
Polyethylene glycol is odorless, non-toxic, non-irritating, colorless and easy to disappear. Polyethylene glycol is inert, they are harmless. Polyethylene glycol can be dissolved in a variety of organic solvents. All polyethylene glycol is willing to dissolve in water without changing the smell, taste or color of water.
Medical use of polyethylene glycol
Several properties of polyethylene glycol make them amazing materials in pharmaceutical applications. Polyethylene glycol is usually used in a large number of medical products, as a dispensing agent, solvent, medicine and delivery liquid, tablet for drug bottles, tablet for constipation treatment and suppository in ophthalmic solution. In addition, PEG is also used in lubricants and veterinary products.
Industrial application of polyethylene glycol
In the manufacturing process, polyethylene glycol is used as water-based coating, anti-dust agent in agricultural products, brightener in electroplating, humectant, detergent and cleaner in cosmetics, non-stick agent in molded products, color stabilizer in ceramic manufacturing, and paper, anti-static agent and softener in textile manufacturing.
Application of polyethylene glycol in oral health care
Polyethylene glycol is grouped with other products for use in breath fresheners, toothpastes and mouthwashes, including preservatives and anti-plaque mouthwashes. Polyethylene glycol is used to improve the shelf life and stability of products.
