Cholesterol-PEG-Biotin contains a biotin functional group (-Biotin) attached to the end of a PEG chain, which is in turn connected to a cholesterol molecule.
The biotin functional group is known for its high affinity towards avidin or streptavidin proteins, which are commonly used as detection or purification tools in biotechnology. This property makes Cholesterol-PEG-Biotin a useful tool in the development of drug delivery systems, diagnostic assays, and protein purification techniques. The PEG chain, on the other hand, provides steric hindrance and hydrophilicity, which improve the solubility and biocompatibility of the compound.
Cholesterol-PEG-Biotin has been used in the development of various targeted drug delivery systems, such as liposomes and nanoparticles. By conjugating therapeutic agents to the PEG chain, the resulting conjugates can be targeted to specific cells or tissues through the interaction between biotin and avidin or streptavidin. This approach offers several advantages, including enhanced efficacy, reduced toxicity, and improved pharmacokinetics.