Biotin-PEG-Thiol contains a thiol functional group (-SH) attached to the end of a PEG chain, as well as a biotin molecule, a vitamin-like substance, attached to the other end of the chain.
Biotin-PEG-Thiol has been widely used in the development of drug delivery systems, particularly in targeted drug delivery. The biotin molecule allows for the specific binding of the conjugate to biotin receptors that are overexpressed on the surface of certain cells, such as cancer cells. This targeted binding can increase the accumulation of therapeutic agents in diseased tissues while minimizing their accumulation in healthy tissues, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity.
The thiol group of Biotin-PEG-Thiol allows for its conjugation with other molecules through disulfide bond formation, which can further enhance its functionality. For example, it can be used to conjugate therapeutic agents, such as proteins or peptides, to the PEG chain, providing a stable platform for drug delivery.
