Polymers

← Back to all Polymers

Poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) & Derivatives

What are PEGs?

Poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) are highly versatile, water-soluble polymers used in life science research, bioconjugation, biomaterials engineering, drug delivery, and surface modification. PEGs are essential building blocks for hydrogel networks, biomedical formulations, and advanced materials due to their exceptional biocompatibility, low toxicity, and wide range of molecular weights and functional end groups.

Our range of PEG products includes linear, functionalized, and crosslinkable PEG derivatives designed for research applications that require consistency, reactivity, and high purity.

Key Properties of PEGs

PEG polymers have a variety of physicochemical features which make them valuable across scientific disciplines:

  • Highly water-soluble
  • Biocompatible and non-immunogenic
  • Available in a broad MW range (200–35,000+)
  • Multiple functional end groups available (hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, thiol, acrylate, methacrylate, NHS-activated, etc.)
  • Low protein adsorption and antifouling behavior
  • Flexible, hydrophilic chains ideal for hydrogel formation
  • Compatible with photopolymerization and chemical crosslinking
  • Used widely in bioconjugation, drug delivery, tissue engineering, microfluidics, and materials science

Applications of PEGs & PEG Derivatives

PEGs support research, clinical, and material science uses. Common applications include:

Biomedical & Life Science Applications

  • Protein PEGylation and bioconjugation
  • Hydrogel fabrication for cell culture, scaffolds, and tissue engineering
  • Surface modification to reduce protein binding and fouling
  • Controlled drug delivery systems
  • Surface modification to reduce protein binding and fouling
  • Cryopreservation of cells and biological specimens

Materials Science & Chemistry

  • Polymer crosslinking using acrylate or methacrylate PEG derivatives
  • Microfluidics and biomaterial patterning
  • Solvent or carrier media for chemical reactions
  • Adhesives, lubricants, dispersants, and coatings

Diagnostics & Biotechnology

  • Stabilizers in assay formulations
  • Linkers for nanoparticles, magnetic beads, and solid supports
  • Matrix components in polymer networks

PEGs Frequently Asked Questions

What are PEGs used for in biomaterials?

PEGs are often used to create hydrogels, modify surfaces, and generate biocompatible polymer networks for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

What molecular weight PEG should I use?

Lower MW PEGs are ideal for solvents and lubricants. Higher MW PEGs (8,000–35,000+) are typically used for hydrogels and crosslinked biomaterials.

Are PEGs biocompatible?

Yes, PEGs are biocompatible, non-immunogenic polymers suitable for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic uses.

How do I choose between acrylate and methacrylate PEGs?

Acrylates polymerize more rapidly, while methacrylates offer more controlled curing and higher mechanical stability in hydrogels.

What are PEGs?

Poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) are highly versatile, water-soluble polymers used in life science research, bioconjugation, biomaterials engineering, drug delivery, and surface modification. PEGs are essential building blocks for hydrogel networks, biomedical formulations, and advanced materials due to their exceptional biocompatibility, low toxicity, and wide range of molecular weights and functional end groups.

Our range of PEG products includes linear, functionalized, and crosslinkable PEG derivatives designed for research applications that require consistency, reactivity, and high purity.

Key Properties of PEGs

PEG polymers have a variety of physicochemical features which make them valuable across scientific disciplines:

  • Highly water-soluble
  • Biocompatible and non-immunogenic
  • Available in a broad MW range (200–35,000+)
  • Multiple functional end groups available (hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, thiol, acrylate, methacrylate, NHS-activated, etc.)
  • Low protein adsorption and antifouling behavior
  • Flexible, hydrophilic chains ideal for hydrogel formation
  • Compatible with photopolymerization and chemical crosslinking
  • Used widely in bioconjugation, drug delivery, tissue engineering, microfluidics, and materials science

Applications of PEGs & PEG Derivatives

PEGs support research, clinical, and material science uses. Common applications include:

Biomedical & Life Science Applications

  • Protein PEGylation and bioconjugation
  • Hydrogel fabrication for cell culture, scaffolds, and tissue engineering
  • Surface modification to reduce protein binding and fouling
  • Controlled drug delivery systems
  • Surface modification to reduce protein binding and fouling
  • Cryopreservation of cells and biological specimens

Materials Science & Chemistry

  • Polymer crosslinking using acrylate or methacrylate PEG derivatives
  • Microfluidics and biomaterial patterning
  • Solvent or carrier media for chemical reactions
  • Adhesives, lubricants, dispersants, and coatings

Diagnostics & Biotechnology

  • Stabilizers in assay formulations
  • Linkers for nanoparticles, magnetic beads, and solid supports
  • Matrix components in polymer networks

PEGs Frequently Asked Questions

What are PEGs used for in biomaterials?

PEGs are often used to create hydrogels, modify surfaces, and generate biocompatible polymer networks for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

What molecular weight PEG should I use?

Lower MW PEGs are ideal for solvents and lubricants. Higher MW PEGs (8,000–35,000+) are typically used for hydrogels and crosslinked biomaterials.

Are PEGs biocompatible?

Yes, PEGs are biocompatible, non-immunogenic polymers suitable for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic uses.

How do I choose between acrylate and methacrylate PEGs?

Acrylates polymerize more rapidly, while methacrylates offer more controlled curing and higher mechanical stability in hydrogels.

Collections