Description
DSPE-PEG-Azide (DSPE-PEG-N₃)
DSPE-PEG-Azide (DSPE-PEG-N₃) is a lipid–PEG conjugate terminated with an azide (-N₃) functional group. It consists of a hydrophobic DSPE phospholipid and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, forming an amphiphilic molecule suitable for self-assembly into lipid-based nanocarriers.
This product is widely used in the preparation of PEGylated liposomes and lipid nanoparticles, where it provides both structural stability and a reactive azide group for bioorthogonal “click chemistry” conjugation.
The azide group readily reacts with alkynes or cyclooctynes in aqueous conditions, with or without copper catalysis, enabling efficient and selective surface functionalization.
Key Applications
- Preparation of PEGylated liposomes and lipid nanoparticles
- Drug and gene delivery systems
- Vaccine delivery platforms
- Surface modification via click chemistry (CuAAC / strain-promoted reactions)
- Conjugation of targeting ligands (antibodies, peptides, aptamers)
Functional Advantages
- Amphiphilic structure enables self-assembly into liposomes
- Enhances nanoparticle stability and blood circulation time
- Provides bioorthogonal azide group for efficient click chemistry
- Supports targeted drug delivery through surface functionalization
- Improves solubility and biocompatibility of lipid systems
Summary
DSPE-PEG-N₃ is a functional lipid–PEG building block designed for advanced liposome engineering, enabling stable nanocarriers and efficient click-chemistry-based bioconjugation for drug delivery and biomedical applications.
