Mal-amido-PEG-acetic acid has been extensively utilized in the development of novel drug delivery systems, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and protein-polymer conjugates. Its maleimide group allows for the selective conjugation of thiol-containing biomolecules, such as cysteine residues in proteins, through a thiol-maleimide reaction. This covalent attachment of therapeutic agents to PEG chains via Mal-amido-PEG-acetic acid can improve stability, solubility, and bioavailability, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects.
Moreover, Mal-amido-PEG-acetic acid can be used in the synthesis of multifunctional bioconjugates for targeted drug delivery. By coupling targeting moieties such as antibodies or peptides to it, and then subsequently to a therapeutic agent, a conjugate can be designed to selectively target a particular cell type or tissue, leading to improved drug delivery and reduced toxicity.
