PLA-PEG-MAL, custom synthesis

Maleimide functionalized PEG-PLA is a useful reagent to prepare core-shell nanoparticles with a thiol-reactive maleimide for conjugation with peptide or proteins bearing free thiols. PEG-PLA is an amphiphilic AB diblock copolymer consisting of a hydrophilic block polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyethylene oxide (PEO) and a hydrophobic block polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA). The PEG polymer is capped a methyl ether group, and the hydrophobic block terminates with a hydroxyl group. PEGylated copolymers with biodegradable and biocompatible polyester segments can be used to prepare core-shell micelles, nanoparticles and microspheres.