PLGA-NH2 | Amine-Functionalized PLGA for Drug Conjugation
High-purity amine-terminated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for bioconjugation, targeted drug delivery, and nanoparticle surface modification. Custom molecular weights, LA/GA ratios, and architecture available.
Key advantages of PLGA-NH2
- Versatile conjugation chemistry: Primary amines react efficiently with a wide range of functional groups under mild conditions
- Controlled drug release: Combine the biodegradability of PLGA backbone with site-specific drug attachment
- Enhanced targeting: Attach targeting ligands (antibodies, peptides, aptamers) for cell-specific delivery
- Improved stability: Terminal amine groups can be further modified to enhance nanoparticle stability and circulation time
- FDA-approved backbone: PLGA base polymer has established regulatory pathway for medical applications
PLGA amine Technical specifications
Our PLGA-NH2 is synthesized under controlled conditions with precise end-group functionalization. Available in multiple molecular weights and lactide:glycolide ratios.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight (Mw) | 5,000 – 200,000 Da | Customizable; most common: 10K, 20K, 40K |
| Polydispersity index (PDI) | 1.5 – 2.0 | Narrow distribution for consistent properties |
| Amine end-group content | ≥90% | Measured by NMR and ninhydrin assay |
| LA:GA ratio | 50:50, 65:35, 75:25, 85:15 | Affects degradation rate; 50:50 is fastest |
| Free amine concentration | ≥0.8 mmol/g | For typical 10K MW PLGA-NH2 |
| Residual monomers | ≤0.5% | Low toxicity profile |
| Heavy metals | ≤50 ppm | Suitable for biomedical applications |
| Architecture options | Linear, 4-arm, 8-arm | Multi-arm for higher drug loading |
| Storage conditions | -20°C, desiccated | 24 months shelf life when properly stored |
Note: Custom specifications available upon request. We can adjust molecular weight, particle size, and other parameters to match your specific application needs.
Conjugation chemistry guide
Common methods for attaching molecules to PLGA-NH2 terminal amine groups.
EDC/NHS coupling
Most common method for attaching carboxyl-containing molecules. Works in aqueous or organic solvents at room temperature.
- Activates –COOH groups on drugs/ligands
- Forms stable amide bonds with –NH2
- Mild conditions preserve biomolecule activity
Maleimide conjugation
Use bifunctional linkers (amine-to-maleimide) for thiol-containing molecules like antibodies and peptides.
- Two-step process via crosslinker
- High selectivity for cysteine residues
- Stable in physiological conditions
Reductive amination
Attach aldehyde-functionalized molecules or sugars to amine terminus.
- Forms secondary amine linkage
- Useful for glycan conjugation
- Requires sodium cyanoborohydride
Applications of PLGA-NH2
PLGA-NH2 enables a wide range of advanced drug delivery and biomedical applications through its reactive amine functionality.
Polymer-drug conjugates
Covalently attach drugs to PLGA-NH2 backbone for controlled release and improved pharmacokinetics.
- Anticancer drug conjugates (doxorubicin, paclitaxel)
- Peptide-polymer conjugates for enhanced stability
- Prodrug systems with triggered release
- Antibody-drug conjugates on PLGA scaffold
Targeted nanoparticles
Functionalize PLGA nanoparticles with targeting ligands for cell-specific delivery.
- Antibody-conjugated NPs for cancer targeting
- Peptide-functionalized NPs (RGD, TAT, iRGD)
- Aptamer-modified NPs for molecular recognition
- Folate, transferrin, or other receptor-targeted systems
Gene delivery
Positive amine charges facilitate complexation with negatively charged nucleic acids.
- Plasmid DNA delivery systems
- siRNA and miRNA delivery vehicles
- mRNA vaccine formulations
- CRISPR/Cas9 delivery platforms
Imaging & diagnostics
Conjugate fluorophores or contrast agents for theranostic applications.
- Fluorescent NPs for cell tracking
- MRI contrast agent conjugates
- Radiolabeled tracers for PET/SPECT
- Multimodal imaging probes
Vaccine adjuvants
Surface amine groups enhance antigen presentation and immune response.
- Antigen-conjugated PLGA particles
- Adjuvant nanoparticle formulations
- Mucosal vaccine delivery systems
- Cancer vaccine platforms
Surface modification
Use as a coating or surface modifier for medical devices and scaffolds.
- Bioactive coating on implants
- Drug-eluting stent coatings
- Tissue engineering scaffold functionalization
- Biosensor surface chemistry
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
We provide Certificate of Analysis with every batch including NMR spectra showing amine end-group peaks and ninhydrin assay results for quantitative amine determination. You can also perform your own ninhydrin test or use TNBS assay for colorimetric quantification.
Yes, but consider that the amine groups will be protonated in gastric pH (pH 1-3), which may affect stability and drug release. For oral delivery, we often recommend formulating PLGA-NH2 nanoparticles with enteric coatings or using higher molecular weights for slower degradation in GI tract.
When stored at -20°C in a desiccator under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon), PLGA-NH2 has a shelf life of 24 months. Keep away from moisture and light. Once opened, use within 6 months or re-seal under nitrogen immediately after use.
Lower MW PLGA-NH2 (5K-10K) has higher molar concentration of amine groups per gram, giving more conjugation sites. Higher MW (40K-100K) provides longer circulation time but fewer conjugation sites per mass. For most drug conjugation applications, 10K-20K MW offers the best balance.
Yes, we can synthesize custom ratios beyond our standard offerings (50:50, 65:35, 75:25, 85:15) with MOQ of 10g. We also offer 4-arm and 8-arm star architectures with amine groups on each terminus, useful for high drug loading applications. Lead time for custom synthesis is typically 3-4 weeks.
Absolutely. PLGA-NH2 is widely used in microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis. Dissolve in water-miscible organic solvent (acetone, DMSO, or acetonitrile) and use rapid mixing with aqueous phase. The positive surface charge from amine groups often improves nanoparticle stability during formulation.