Background | MAL-PEG-NHS is a heterofunctional PEG derivative with maleimide and NHS ester at both ends of the molecular chain. It is a useful cross-linker with a PEG spacer group. At neutral pH, maleimide can react quickly with sulfhydryl/sulfhydryl groups to form stable sulfide bonds. Maleimide contains a reactive C = C double bond and is sensitive to light or oxygen. NHS is a white crystalline substance that can be used as a pharmaceutical intermediate for the production of Semi-synthetic Kanamycin or as a solid-phase synthetic linker for polypeptides. NHS esters react with deprotonated primary amines, therefore, the reaction requires neutral to basic pH values to proceed. MAL-PEG-NHS can be easily incorporated into liposomes and other nanoparticles through the NHS-amine reaction. |