α‑Hydroxyl‑ω‑Maleimide‑poly(D,L‑lactide) (PDLLA‑Mal, MW 20K) is linear, mono‑maleimide‑terminated fully amorphous biodegradable aliphatic polyester. D‑lactide and L‑lactide repeat units are randomly distributed along polymer backbone, disrupting stereoregularity and eliminating crystalline domains. Within PDLLA‑Mal product portfolio, this 20 kDa grade possesses the highest hydrophobicity and exhibits extremely slow yet homogeneous hydrolytic degradation. One polymer terminus carries thiol‑selective maleimide functional group, the opposite terminus retains inert hydroxyl (‑OH). Maleimide moiety can covalently and specifically react with free thiol (‑SH) groups of peptides, proteins, antibodies and thiolated targeting ligands under mild aqueous conditions, forming highly stable thioether bonds. It works as monofunctional macromonomer for nanoparticle surface engineering, thiol‑mediated bioconjugation and ultra‑long‑acting targeted drug‑delivery biomedical research.
Key Features
- MW: 20000 Da, linear α‑hydroxyl‑ω‑maleimide‑terminated poly(D,L‑lactide)
- Fully amorphous non‑crystalline structure, random D/L‑lactide sequence, no melting point
- Highest hydrophobicity in PDLLA‑Mal series, ultra‑slow and uniform hydrolytic degradation
- Excellent biocompatibility; degradation produces non‑toxic lactic‑acid metabolites
- Single terminal maleimide group; specific conjugation with free thiols to generate stable thioether linkage; opposite polymer end is inert hydroxyl ‑OH
- Narrow molecular‑weight distribution, stable batch‑to‑batch reproducibility; high terminal functional group conversion ratio
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF, hot acetone; insoluble in water
- Maleimide group susceptible to hydrolytic deactivation; avoid moisture, long‑term alkaline exposure and high‑temperature environments
Applications
- Monofunctional building block for thiol‑mediated bioconjugation with thiol‑containing peptides, antibodies, proteins and aptamers
- Maleimide‑functional surface modification of PDLLA‑based nanoparticles, microspheres and dense polymer films for ultra‑long‑term sustained‑release study
- Fabrication of actively‑targeted biodegradable polymeric carriers via thiol‑maleimide click‑chemistry
- Research‑grade raw material for surface functionalization of high‑molecular‑weight polyester implant‑related biomaterials
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry inert nitrogen or argon atmosphere; strictly moisture‑proof
- Keep hermetically sealed; moisture and alkaline surroundings accelerate maleimide hydrolysis; avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles
- For research‑only use; not intended for clinical or diagnostic applications
AxisPharm offers 5000+ PEG Linkers with high purity. Different kinds of PEG Reagents may be available by custom synthesis.