Pegylation , pegylation is a covalent modification of peptides , proteins and other objects ( liposomes , nanoparticles , drugs) with fragments of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve their specific properties. Pegylation allows you to increase the molecular weight of the modified molecule or particle and thereby slow down its excretion through the kidneys, make it difficult for antibodies and proteolytic enzymes to approach it, as well as adjust its biodistribution and improve solubility [1] .
Content
Pegylation Methods
Pegylation is usually carried out using chemical reactions between PEG macromolecules with specific reaction groups and functional groups of the pegylated object (proteins, peptides, particles, etc.). For example, a PEG with a terminal group of maleimide can covalently attach to proteins due to the reaction with thiol groups present in cysteine.
Application
- Improving the pharmacokinetic profile of drugs
- Stabilization of proteins and enzymes
- Increased circulation time of nanomaterials in the body
- Improving the penetration of colloidal particles through the mucous membranes
Notes
- ↑ Veronese, 2001 , p. 405–406.
Literature
- Veronese FM Peptide and protein PEGylation: a review of problems and solutions : [ eng. ] // Biomaterials. - 2001. - Vol. 22, no. 5. - P. 405-417. - DOI : 10.1016 / S0142-9612 (00) 00193-9 .