PLGA-mPEG, MW x 40K, n 2K provides a biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer for polymeric nanoparticle formulation, controlled drug release, and biomaterials research. It combines a 40 kDa poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) segment with a 2 kDa methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol (mPEG) chain. Its strongly PLGA-rich composition supports hydrophobic drug encapsulation and biodegradable nanoparticle development, while the mPEG segment contributes hydrophilic surface functionality.
Key Features and Benefits
- 40 kDa PLGA Block: Provides a biodegradable hydrophobic polyester segment for nanoparticle formation, drug encapsulation, and sustained-release formulation research.
- 2 kDa mPEG Block: Introduces a hydrophilic methoxy-terminated PEG chain that supports surface hydration and aqueous dispersion of formulated nanoparticles.
- Amphiphilic Block Copolymer: Combines hydrophobic PLGA and hydrophilic mPEG segments to support self-assembly and preparation of polymeric nanocarriers.
- Biodegradable Polyester Backbone: Contains hydrolytically degradable ester bonds that enable investigation of polymer degradation and drug release behavior.
- PLGA-Rich Composition: Features a nominal 20:1 PLGA-to-mPEG molecular weight ratio for studying hydrophobic core formation, drug loading, and nanoparticle properties.
- Methoxy-Terminated PEG: Provides a methyl ether terminus without a dedicated reactive conjugation group, supporting preparation of PEG-containing nanoparticle surfaces.
- Compact Hydrophilic Segment: Incorporates a relatively short PEG chain for investigating how PEG length influences nanoparticle hydration, surface interactions, and colloidal stability.
- Controlled-Release Potential: Enables development of biodegradable polymer matrices for investigating sustained drug release and polymer erosion.
- Versatile Formulation Compatibility: Supports preparation of polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and other biodegradable delivery systems using suitable processing methods.
Applications
- Polymeric Nanoparticle Development: Supports preparation of biodegradable nanoparticles with PLGA-rich hydrophobic domains and mPEG-containing surfaces.
- Drug Delivery Research: Enables development of polymeric carriers specifically for encapsulating and delivering compatible therapeutic research compounds.
- Controlled Drug Release: Supports investigation of drug diffusion, polymer degradation, and sustained-release behavior in biodegradable formulations.
- Polymeric Micelle Research: Enables evaluation of amphiphilic self-assembly and micelle formation under suitable formulation conditions.
- Hydrophobic Drug Encapsulation: Supports formulation studies specifically involving poorly water-soluble compounds within PLGA-containing polymeric carriers.
- Nanoparticle Surface Engineering: Enables investigation of how PEG chain length and polymer composition influence particle hydration, stability, and surface interactions.
- Biodegradable Biomaterials Research: Supports development of polymer-based materials specifically for studying degradation, biocompatibility, and material performance.
- Nanoparticle Stability Studies: Facilitates evaluation of particle size, aggregation, colloidal stability, and formulation behavior under different experimental conditions.
- Polymer Degradation Studies: Enables investigation of PLGA hydrolysis, molecular weight changes, and their relationships with drug release kinetics.
Storage and Handling
- Storage: Store at −20°C in a dry, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture and excessive heat, unless otherwise specified by the product documentation. Minimize prolonged exposure to humidity to reduce premature hydrolysis of the PLGA polyester backbone.
- Handling: Handle under dry conditions using clean equipment. Dissolve in a compatible organic solvent, such as DMSO, DMF, acetone, or dichloromethane, after confirming product-specific solubility and compatibility with the intended formulation method.
- For nanoparticle preparation, select an appropriate nanoprecipitation, solvent evaporation, emulsification, or solvent exchange method based on polymer properties, drug characteristics, and desired particle specifications.
- The 20:1 PLGA-to-mPEG molecular weight ratio indicates a strongly hydrophobic polymer composition. Compared with formulations containing longer PEG blocks at the same PLGA molecular weight, this composition provides a lower nominal PEG fraction. Actual nanoparticle hydration, aggregation behavior, drug loading, and release characteristics depend on formulation conditions and must be evaluated experimentally.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to strongly acidic or alkaline environments, which may accelerate polyester hydrolysis. Evaluate polymer and nanoparticle properties using appropriate analytical methods, such as GPC/SEC, NMR, dynamic light scattering, HPLC, or electron microscopy.
- The lactic acid-to-glycolic acid ratio and polymer end-group chemistry also influence degradation and formulation behavior. Confirm these specifications using the product’s certificate of analysis or technical documentation when required.
This product combines a biodegradable PLGA segment with a short hydrophilic methoxy PEG chain for polymeric nanocarrier development. It supports nanoparticle formulation, controlled drug release, hydrophobic drug encapsulation, polymer degradation studies, and biodegradable biomaterials research.
AxisPharm offers 5000+ PEG Linkers with high purity. Different kinds of PEG Reagents may be available by custom synthesis.