Editing Polyethylene glycol (section)

==Uses==
=== Medical uses ===
{{Main|Macrogol|PEGylation}}

* Pharmaceutical-grade PEG is used as an [[excipient]] in many pharmaceutical products, in oral, topical, and parenteral dosage forms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Polyethylene Glycol as Pharmaceutical Excipient |url=https://pharma.basf.com/chemistry/polyethylene-glycols |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=pharmaceutical.basf.com |language=en}}</ref>
* PEG is the basis of a number of [[laxative]]s (as ''MiraLax, RestoraLAX, MoviPrep, etc.'').<ref name="Kean-2017" /> [[Whole bowel irrigation]] with polyethylene glycol and added [[electrolyte]]s is used for bowel preparation before [[surgery]] or [[colonoscopy]] or for children with constipation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://medicaldialogues.in/partner/jbcpl/laxolite | title=Polyethyleneglycol (PEG 4000 ) {{!}} Laxolite {{!}} Medical Dialogues | publisher=[[Medical Dialogues]] | date=19 January 2021 | access-date=19 January 2021}}</ref> [[Macrogol]] (with brand names such as Laxido, Movicol and Miralax) is the generic name for polyethylene glycol used as a laxative. The name may be followed by a number that represents the average molecular weight (e.g. macrogol 3350, macrogol 4000, or macrogol 6000).
* The possibility that PEG could be used to fuse [[axon]]s is being explored by researchers studying [[Nerve injury|peripheral nerve]] and [[spinal cord injury]].<ref name="Kean-2017"/>
*An example of PEG [[hydrogel]]s (see [[#Biological uses|Biological uses]] section) in a therapeutic has been theorized by Ma et al. They propose using the hydrogel to address [[Periodontal disease|periodontitis]] (gum disease) by encapsulating [[stem cell]]s in the gel that promote healing in the gums.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ma Y, Ji Y, Zhong T, Wan W, Yang Q, Li A, Zhang X, Lin M | display-authors = 6 | title = Bioprinting-Based PDLSC-ECM Screening for in Vivo Repair of Alveolar Bone Defect Using Cell-Laden, Injectable and Photocrosslinkable Hydrogels | journal = ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering | volume = 3 | issue = 12 | pages = 3534–3545 | date = December 2017 | pmid = 33445388 | doi = 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00601 }}</ref> The gel with encapsulated stem cells was to be injected into the site of disease and crosslinked to create the microenvironment required for the stem cells to function.
*[[PEGylation]] of [[Adenoviridae|adenoviruses]] for [[gene therapy]] can help prevent adverse reactions due to pre-existing adenovirus immunity.<ref name="Seregin-2009">{{cite journal | vauthors=Seregin SS, Amalfitano A | title=Overcoming pre-existing adenovirus immunity by genetic engineering of adenovirus-based vectors | journal=[[Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy]] | volume=9 | issue=12 | pages=1521–1531 | year=2009 | doi = 10.1517/14712590903307388 | pmid=19780714 | s2cid=21927486 }}</ref>
* A [[PEGylation|PEGylated]] lipid is used as an excipient in both the [[Moderna#COVID-19 vaccine|Moderna]] and [[Tozinameran|Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine]]s for [[SARS-CoV-2]]. Both [[RNA vaccines]] consist of [[messenger RNA]], or mRNA, encased in a bubble of oily molecules called [[lipid]]s. Proprietary lipid technology is used for each. In both vaccines, the bubbles are coated with a stabilizing molecule of polyethylene glycol.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/downloads/standing-orders.pdf |title=Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Orders for Administering Vaccine to Persons 18 Years of Age and Older |publisher=[[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) |date=11 July 2022 |access-date=23 October 2024 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814043527/https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/downloads/standing-orders.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> PEG could trigger allergic reaction,<ref name="Cabanillas-2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cabanillas B, Akdis CA, Novak N | title = Allergic reactions to the first COVID-19 vaccine: A potential role of polyethylene glycol? | journal = Allergy | volume = 76 | issue = 6 | pages = 1617–1618 | date = June 2021 | pmid = 33320974 | doi = 10.1111/all.14711 | s2cid = 229284320 | doi-access = free }}</ref> and allergic reactions are the driver for both the United Kingdom and Canadian regulators to issue an advisory, noting that: two "individuals in the U.K. ... were treated and have recovered" from [[anaphylactic]] shock.<ref name="Bostock-2020">{{cite web | vauthors = Bostock N |publisher=GP |title=MHRA warning after allergic reactions in NHS staff given COVID-19 vaccine |url=https://www.gponline.com/mhra-warning-allergic-reactions-nhs-staff-given-covid-19-vaccine/article/1702322 |date=9 December 2020 |access-date=9 December 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209163321/https://www.gponline.com/mhra-warning-allergic-reactions-nhs-staff-given-covid-19-vaccine/article/1702322 |url-status=live |name-list-style=vanc }}</ref><ref name="HealthCanada-2020">{{cite web |title=Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Health Canada recommendations for people with serious allergies |url=https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/74543a-eng.php |publisher=Health Canada |date=12 December 2020}}</ref> The US CDC stated that in their jurisdiction six cases of "severe allergic reaction" had been recorded from more than 250,000 vaccinations, and of those six only one person had a "history of vaccination reactions".<ref name="Furtula-2020">{{cite news | vauthors = Furtula A, Jordans F |title=EU regulator gives conditional approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-eu-regulator-gives-conditional-approval-to-pfizer-biontech-covid-19/ |agency=Reuters |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc |date=21 December 2020}}</ref>

===Chemical uses===
[[File:MaryRose-conservation2.jpg|thumb|The remains of the 16th century [[carrack]] ''[[Mary Rose]]'' undergoing conservation treatment with PEG in the 1980s]]
[[File:Terra Cotta Warriors, Guardians of China’s First Emperor 1.jpg|thumb|Terra cotta warrior, showing traces of original color]]
* Polyethylene glycol can serve as a green reaction medium in a variety of organic reactions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vafaeezadeh |first=Majid |last2=Hashemi |first2=Mohammad Mahmoodi |date=2015-07-01 |title=Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a green solvent for carbon–carbon bond formation reactions |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0167732215001361 |journal=Journal of Molecular Liquids |volume=207 |pages=73–79 |doi=10.1016/j.molliq.2015.03.003 |issn=0167-7322}}</ref>
* Polyethylene glycol is also commonly used as a polar stationary phase for [[gas chromatography]], as well as a [[Coolant|heat transfer fluid]] in electronic testers.
* PEG is frequently used to [[Conservation and restoration of waterlogged wood|preserve waterlogged wood]] and other organic artifacts that have been salvaged from underwater archaeological contexts, as was the case with the warship ''[[Vasa (ship)|Vasa]]'' in Stockholm,<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Kvarning LÅ, Ohrelius B | date = 1998 | title = The Vasa – The Royal Ship | isbn = 91-7486-581-1 | pages = 133–141 | publisher = Atlantis }}</ref> and similar cases. It replaces water in wooden objects, making the wood dimensionally stable and preventing the warping or shrinking of the wood when it dries.<ref name="Kean-2017"/> In addition, PEG is used when working with [[green wood]] as a stabilizer, and to prevent shrinkage.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockler.com/anti-freeze-is-not-a-green-wood-stabilizer | title = Anti-Freeze is Not a Green Wood Stabilizer – Buzz Saw | work = The Rockler Blog | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220117170449/https://www.rockler.com/anti-freeze-is-not-a-green-wood-stabilizer | archive-date = 17 January 2022 | date = 2 May 2006 | access-date = 30 November 2012 }}</ref>
* PEG has been used to preserve the painted colors on [[Terracotta Army|Terracotta Warriors]] unearthed at a UNESCO World Heritage site in China.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/news/press-releases/short/article/32290/ | title=Conservators preserve the paint layers of the Terracotta Army | vauthors = Reiffert S | date=18 March 2015 | website=tum.de | publisher=Technische Universität München | access-date=19 December 2015 | archive-date=22 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222113322/https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/news/press-releases/short/article/32290/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> These painted artifacts were created during the [[Qin Shi Huang]] (first emperor of China) era. Within 15 seconds of the terra-cotta pieces being unearthed during excavations, the lacquer beneath the paint begins to curl after being exposed to the dry [[Xi'an]] air. The paint would subsequently flake off in about four minutes. The German Bavarian State Conservation Office developed a PEG preservative that when immediately applied to unearthed artifacts has aided in preserving the colors painted on the pieces of clay soldiers.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Terra-Cotta Warriors in Color | journal=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]] |date=June 2012 | vauthors = Larmer B | volume=221 |number=6 |pages=74–87}}</ref>
* PEG is often used (as an internal calibration compound) in [[mass spectrometry]] experiments, with its characteristic fragmentation pattern allowing accurate and reproducible tuning.
* PEG derivatives, such as [[narrow range ethoxylate]]s, are used as [[surfactant]]s.
* PEG has been used as the hydrophilic block of [[amphiphilic]] block [[copolymers]] used to create some [[polymersome]]s.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rameez S, Alosta H, Palmer AF | title = Biocompatible and biodegradable polymersome encapsulated hemoglobin: a potential oxygen carrier | journal = Bioconjugate Chemistry | volume = 19 | issue = 5 | pages = 1025–32 | date = May 2008 | pmid = 18442283 | doi = 10.1021/bc700465v }}</ref>
*PEG is a component of the propellent used in [[UGM-133 Trident II|UGM-133M Trident II Missiles]], in service with the [[United States Navy]].<ref name="Strategic Systems Programs">{{cite web|title=Facts: Polaris Poseidon Trident|url=http://www.ssp.navy.mil/about/history_facts_2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033311/http://www.ssp.navy.mil/about/history_facts_2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2017|website = Strategic Systems Programs|publisher = U.S. Navy}}</ref>
* PEG has been used as a solvent for aryl [[thioether]] synthesis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Firouzabadi H, Iranpoor N, Gholinejad M | title = One-Pot Thioetherification of Aryl Halides Using Thiourea and Alkyl Bromides Catalyzed by Copper(I) Iodide Free from Foul-Smelling Thiols in Wet Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 200)| journal = Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis | volume = 352 | issue = 18 | pages = 119–24 | date = January 2010 | doi = 10.1002/adsc.200900671}}</ref>
===Biological uses===
*An example study was done using PEG-diacrylate hydrogels to recreate vascular environments with the encapsulation of [[Endothelium|endothelial]] cells and [[macrophage]]s. This model furthered vascular disease modeling and isolated macrophage phenotype's effect on blood vessels.<ref>{{Cite journal| vauthors = Moore EM, Ying G, West JL |date=March 2017|title=Macrophages Influence Vessel Formation in 3D Bioactive Hydrogels|journal=Advanced Biosystems |language=en |volume=1|issue=3|pages=1600021|doi=10.1002/adbi.201600021|s2cid=102369711|doi-access=free}}</ref> 
*PEG is commonly used as a crowding agent in ''in vitro'' assays to mimic highly crowded cellular conditions.<ref name="Ganji-2016">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ganji M, Docter M, Le Grice SF, Abbondanzieri EA | title = DNA binding proteins explore multiple local configurations during docking via rapid rebinding | journal = Nucleic Acids Research | volume = 44 | issue = 17 | pages = 8376–8384 | date = September 2016 | pmid = 27471033 | pmc = 5041478 | doi = 10.1093/nar/gkw666 }}</ref> Although polyethylene glycol is considered biologically inert, it can form [[Non-covalent interaction|non-covalent]] complexes with monovalent [[cations]] such as [[Na⁺|Na<sup>+</sup>]], [[Potassium|K<sup>+</sup>]], Rb<sup>+</sup>, and Cs<sup>+</sup>, affecting [[Equilibrium constant|equilibrium constants]] of biochemical reactions.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bielec K, Kowalski A, Bubak G, Witkowska Nery E, Hołyst R | title = Ion Complexation Explains Orders of Magnitude Changes in the Equilibrium Constant of Biochemical Reactions in Buffers Crowded by Nonionic Compounds | journal = The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 112–117 | date = January 2022 | pmid = 34962392 | pmc = 8762655 | doi = 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03596 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Breton MF, Discala F, Bacri L, Foster D, Pelta J, Oukhaled A |date=2013-07-03 |title=Exploration of Neutral Versus Polyelectrolyte Behavior of Poly(ethylene glycol)s in Alkali Ion Solutions using Single-Nanopore Recording |journal=The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters |language=en |volume=4 |issue=13 |pages=2202–2208 |doi=10.1021/jz400938q |issn=1948-7185}}</ref>
* PEG is commonly used as a [[precipitant]] for plasmid DNA isolation and [[X-ray crystallography|protein crystallization]]. [[X-ray diffraction]] of protein crystals can reveal the atomic structure of the proteins.
* PEG is used to fuse two different types of cells, most often B-cells and myelomas to create [[hybridomas]]. [[César Milstein]] and [[Georges J. F. Köhler]] originated this technique, which they used for antibody production, winning a [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] in 1984.<ref name="Kean-2017"/>
* In [[microbiology]], PEG precipitation is used to concentrate viruses. PEG is also used to induce complete fusion (mixing of both inner and outer leaflets) in liposomes reconstituted ''in vitro''.
* [[Gene therapy]] vectors (such as viruses) can be PEG-coated to shield them from inactivation by the immune system and to de-target them from organs where they may build up and have a toxic effect.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kreppel F, Kochanek S | title = Modification of adenovirus gene transfer vectors with synthetic polymers: a scientific review and technical guide | journal = Molecular Therapy | volume = 16 | issue = 1 | pages = 16–29 | date = January 2008 | pmid = 17912234 | doi = 10.1038/sj.mt.6300321 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The size of the PEG polymer is important, with larger polymers achieving the best immune protection.
* PEG is a component of [[stable nucleic acid lipid particle]]s (SNALPs) used to package [[siRNA]] for use ''in vivo''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rossi JJ | title = RNAi therapeutics: SNALPing siRNAs in vivo | journal = Gene Therapy | volume = 13 | issue = 7 | pages = 583–584 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 17526070 | doi = 10.1038/sj.gt.3302661 | s2cid = 7232293 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Geisbert TW, Lee AC, Robbins M, Geisbert JB, Honko AN, Sood V, Johnson JC, de Jong S, Tavakoli I, Judge A, Hensley LE, Maclachlan I | display-authors = 6 | title = Postexposure protection of non-human primates against a lethal Ebola virus challenge with RNA interference: a proof-of-concept study | journal = Lancet | volume = 375 | issue = 9729 | pages = 1896–1905 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20511019 | pmc = 7138079 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60357-1 }} (free with registration)</ref>
* In [[blood banking]], PEG is used as a [[potentiator]] to enhance detection of [[antigen]]s and [[antibodies]].<ref name="Kean-2017"/><ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Harmening DM | title=Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices | publisher=F. A. Davis Company | year=2005 | isbn=978-0-8036-1248-8}}</ref>
* When working with [[phenol]] in a laboratory situation, [[PEG 300]] can be used on phenol skin burns to deactivate any residual phenol.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Monteiro-Riviere NA, Inman AO, Jackson H, Dunn B, Dimond S | title = Efficacy of topical phenol decontamination strategies on severity of acute phenol chemical burns and dermal absorption: in vitro and in vivo studies in pig skin | journal = Toxicology and Industrial Health | volume = 17 | issue = 4 | pages = 95–104 | date = May 2001 | pmid = 12479505 | doi = 10.1191/0748233701th095oa | bibcode = 2001ToxIH..17...95M | s2cid = 46229131 }}</ref>
* In [[biophysics]], polyethylene glycols are the molecules of choice for the functioning ion channel diameter studies, because in aqueous solutions they have a spherical shape and can block ion channel conductance.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Krasilnikov OV, Sabirov RZ, Ternovsky VI, Merzliak PG, Muratkhodjaev JN | title = A simple method for the determination of the pore radius of ion channels in planar lipid bilayer membranes | journal = FEMS Microbiology Immunology | volume = 5 | issue = 1–3 | pages = 93–100 | date = September 1992 | pmid = 1384601 | doi = 10.1016/0378-1097(92)90079-4 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bárcena-Uribarri I, Thein M, Maier E, Bonde M, Bergström S, Benz R | title = Use of nonelectrolytes reveals the channel size and oligomeric constitution of the Borrelia burgdorferi P66 porin | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 8 | issue = 11 | pages = e78272 | year = 2013 | pmid = 24223145 | pmc = 3819385 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0078272 | doi-access = free | bibcode = 2013PLoSO...878272B }}</ref>

===Commercial uses===
* PEG is the basis of many [[Moisturizer|skin creams]] (as ''[[cetomacrogol]]'') and [[personal lubricant]]s.
* PEG is used in a number of [[toothpaste]]s<ref name="Kean-2017">{{cite journal| vauthors = Kean S |title=Chemical Hope|journal=Distillations|date=2017|volume=2|issue=4|page=5|url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/magazine/chemical-hope|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> as a [[dispersant]]. In this application, it binds water and helps keep [[xanthan gum]] uniformly distributed throughout the toothpaste.
* PEG is under investigation for use in [[Liquid Armor|liquid body armor]], and in [[tattoo]]s to monitor [[diabetes]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher = BBC News|date = 1 September 2002|title = Tattoo to monitor diabetes|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2225404.stm}}</ref>
* Polymer segments derived from PEG [[polyols]] impart flexibility to [[polyurethane]]s for applications such as elastomeric [[fiber]]s ([[spandex]]) and [[foam]] cushions.
* In low-[[molecular weight|molecular-weight]] formulations (e.g. [[PEG 400]]), it is used in [[Hewlett-Packard]] designjet [[Printer (computing)|printers]] as an ink solvent and lubricant for the print heads.
* PEG is used as an anti-foaming agent in food and drinks<ref>US Government – Food and Drug Agency {{cite web |url=https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm091048.htm |title=Food Additive Status List |website=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> – its [[INS number]] is 1521<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp |title=Codex Alimentarius |work=codexalimentarius.net |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107123157/http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp |archive-date=7 January 2012 }}</ref> or E1521 in the EU.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist |title=Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers |access-date=21 October 2010|publisher=UK Government – Food Standards Agency}}</ref>

===Industrial uses===
* A [[nitrate]] [[ester]]-plasticized polyethylene glycol ([[Solid-fuel rocket#Composite modified double base propellants|NEPE-75]]) is used in [[UGM-133 Trident II#Design|Trident II]] [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]] solid rocket fuel.<ref name="Spinardi-1994">{{cite book| vauthors = Spinardi G |title=From Polaris to Trident: the development of US fleet ballistic missile technology|url=https://archive.org/details/frompolaristotri00spin_389|url-access=limited|year=1994|publisher=Cambridge Univ. Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0-521-41357-2|page=[https://archive.org/details/frompolaristotri00spin_389/page/n168 159]}}</ref>
* Dimethyl ethers of PEG are the key ingredient of [[Selexol]], a solvent used by [[coal]]-burning, [[integrated gasification combined cycle]] (IGCC) power plants to remove [[carbon dioxide]] and [[hydrogen sulfide]] from the [[syngas]] stream.
* PEG has been used as the gate insulator in an electric double-layer transistor to induce superconductivity in an insulator.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ueno K, Nakamura S, Shimotani H, Ohtomo A, Kimura N, Nojima T, Aoki H, Iwasa Y, Kawasaki M | display-authors = 6 | title = Electric-field-induced superconductivity in an insulator | journal = Nature Materials | volume = 7 | issue = 11 | pages = 855–8 | date = November 2008 | pmid = 18849974 | doi = 10.1038/nmat2298 | bibcode = 2008NatMa...7..855U }}</ref>
* PEG is used as a polymer host for solid polymer electrolytes. Although not yet in commercial production, many groups around the globe are engaged in research on solid polymer electrolytes involving PEG, to improve their properties, and in permitting their use in batteries, electro-chromic display systems, and other products in the future.
* PEG is injected into industrial processes to reduce foaming in separation equipment.
* PEG is used as a [[Binder (material)|binder]] in the preparation of technical [[ceramic]]s.<ref>Schneider, Samuel J. (1991) ''Engineered Materials Handbook: Ceramics and Glasses'', Vol. 4. ASM International. {{ISBN|0-87170-282-7}}. p. 49.</ref>
* PEG was used as an additive to silver halide photographic [[Photolith film|emulsions]].
* PEG is used as an active ingredient in agricultural soil wetter, which improves water-retention and seedling growth.<ref>{{cite web |title=4Farmers Aquifer Infosheet |url=https://4farmers.com.au/products/plant-health/aquifer/ |website=4farmers.com.au |publisher=4Farmers Australia |access-date=6 February 2025}}</ref>

===Entertainment uses===
* PEG is used to extend the size and durability of very large [[soap bubbles]].
* PEG is an ingredient in some [[personal lubricant]]s.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} (Not to be confused with [[propylene glycol]].)
* PEG is the main ingredient in the paint (known as "fill") in [[paintball]]s.