Term: Polyethylene Glycol

Abbreviation: PEG

Category: Polymer

Definition: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble, non-toxic polymer composed of repeating units of ethylene oxide. It exhibits excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and hydrophilicity, making it highly suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. PEG is widely used to enhance drug solubility, reduce protein adsorption, and improve the stability and circulation time of therapeutic agents in the body.

Source: Synthetic Polymer

Chemical Structure: Consists of repeating units of ethylene oxide –(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ–

Common Uses:

1. PEG is commonly used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surface modification of medical devices. 
2. It serves as a carrier in PEGylated drugs to prolong their half-life.
3. PEG hydrogels for wound healing and tissue scaffolds.
4. PEG hydrophilic coatings are used as a lubricant or antifouling layer on medical device coatings to improve biocompatibility.

Related Resources: 
PEG Hydrophilic Coatings and Their Biomedical Uses

UV Curing for Medical Devices: Role of PEG, PVP, Chitosan

Hydrophilic Coating Polymers and Chemistries: Complete Guide