Discrete-length polyethene glycols

摘要

The present invention provides discrete-length and molecular weight polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol containing compounds and methods for their preparation. Polyethylene glycols have been proven to be valuable in many biotechnical and biomedical applications. Polyethylene glycols have been advantageously employed in these applications for their ability to impart water solubilization and surface protective properties, and also because these polymers are only weakly immunogenic. Polyethylene glycols have also been covalently coupled to proteins to alter their properties in ways that extend their potential uses. The present invention provides discrete-length and molecular weight polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol containing compounds and methods for their preparation. The present invention provides an oxyethylene-containing composition of matter comprising at least one discrete oxyethylene-containing cross-linker moiety, whereby the cross-linkers have at least two reactive groups. See Figure 1 for example of discrete length polyethylene glycol-containing compound coupled to vitamin B12 (biotin).