Our customer services representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.
CONTACT US
At Alfa Chemistry, we know that the structure of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative is critical for its purpose. The specific structure of a PEG reagent—its arm count, branching pattern, and core molecule—directly dictates its application in bioconjugation, drug delivery, material science, and hydrogels.
This series serve as your central hub to explore our extensive catalog of PEG derivatives, meticulously organized by their core structural frameworks. Need simple linear linkers or do you require complex multi-arm branched polymers? We have the high-purity, well-characterized building blocks you need to excel.
PEG is a polyether composed of repeating ethylene oxide units (–CH2CH2O–). PEG derivatives are chemically modified PEG molecules whose structure (branching, number of functional arms, terminal reactive groups, molecular weight, etc.) significantly influences physical, biological, and chemical properties. Changing the structure allows tuning of:
Use of specific PEG architectures (linear, branched, multi-arm, etc.) is common in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, materials science, nanotechnology, and more.
| Type | Description | Common Applications |
| Linear Monofunctional PEG | A linear PEG chain with a single functional group (e.g. –OH, –NH2, –COOH, or methoxy) at one end. | Ideal when only one reactive end is needed; avoids crosslinking; useful for surface modification, labeling, attachment to one partner. |
| Linear Bifunctional PEG (Homobifunctional) | Linear PEG with the same functional group at both ends (e.g. –NH2–PEG–NH2). | Effective as spacer molecules; useful for forming crosslinks; in conjugation of two entities; bridging functionality. |
| Linear Heterofunctional PEG | Linear PEG with different functional groups at the two ends (e.g. –NH2 at one end, –COOH at the other). | Adds specificity; allows selective attachment; useful in asymmetric conjugations; reduces unwanted side reactions. |
| Functionally Grafted / Y-type PEG | A branched or partially branched PEG where side chains or arms are grafted off a core or backbone. Y-type PEG is one common form. | Allows multiple functional ends or sites; better control of density; useful for multivalent attachment; can be used in dendrimers, graft polymers. |
| Multi-arm / Star / Branched PEGs (2-arm, 3-arm, 4-arm, 6-arm, 8-arm, etc.) | PEGs built around a central core from which multiple linear PEG "arms" radiate. The number of arms determines branching. | Very useful when high crosslinking density or multiple functional sites are needed. Widely used in hydrogel formation, 3D scaffold materials, drug delivery matrices, and multivalent binding systems. |
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
Alfa Chemistry is a global leader in the vaccine industry. We have the ability to help our customers meet the challenges of various vaccine development processes. Alfa Chemistry believes that partnerships will change the way the world innovates, bringing new technologies.
Interested in our Services & Products? Need detailed information?
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Copyright © 2025 Alfa Chemistry. All rights reserved.