Chemical Name: DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO
Common Use: Bioconjugation, drug delivery research, and nanotechnology
Description: DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO is a synthetic amphiphilic molecule combining phospholipid, polyethylene glycol, and a dibenzocyclooctyne functional group. Its main applications occur in targeted drug delivery, nanocarrier surface modification, and bio-orthogonal click chemistry.
Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow powder or solid
Odor: No significant odor detected under normal use
Chemical Formula: CxHyNzO
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to standard GHS criteria
Acute Toxicity: Data on acute toxicity remains limited; laboratory exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact generally presents low risk, but can’t be ruled out as non-hazardous either
Health Effects: May irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory passages if not handled with proper care; shows no known carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic effects under normal laboratory handling conditions
Environmental Effects: No established environmental hazard data yet; responsible laboratory practices should always be followed
Signal Word: None required by most regulatory guidelines so far
Main Components: 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol and dibenzocyclooctyne
PEG Portion Molecular Weight: About 2000 g/mol
Peculiar Structure: Amphiphile (phospholipid tail, PEG chain, clickable DBCO group)
Purity: High purity compounds commonly exceed 95%
Impurities: Trace levels of phospholipid, PEG, or DBCO structural analogs could be present
Toxic Components: No components are listed as acutely toxic, carcinogenic, or sensitizing following general lab standards
Inhalation: Move exposed individuals to fresh air if large amounts of airborne powder are accidentally inhaled; seek medical attention for lingering symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids as needed; seek care if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if accidently swallowed; access care if feeling unwell
Special Notes: Standard personal hygiene and laboratory safety practices minimize risk
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Flammability: DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO does not ignite under standard storage or lab conditions, but both PEG and hydrocarbon chains can fuel a fire if temperatures rise high enough
Fire Hazards: Combustion may emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Fire-fighters should wear standard self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Explosion Risks: None known in dry or moist forms handled at room temperature
Personal Protection: Use gloves, safety goggles, and laboratory coats for cleanup
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up powder with minimal dust formation; wipe up with damp cloth; dispose of waste in sealed laboratory container marked for chemical waste
Environmental Protection: Prevent material from entering drains or waterways
Decontamination: Clean surfaces with water and mild detergent once the bulk of material is collected
Disposal: Follow local hazardous waste disposal protocols
Safe Handling: Use PPE such as gloves and safety glasses; minimize dust and aerosol generation
Safe Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture
Avoid: Sources of ignition, strong oxidizers, and acids
General Guidelines: Store only in designated chemical storage areas
Transport: Use clearly labeled, robust containers for any transportation within or outside a facility
Engineering Controls: Operate under local exhaust ventilation or in fume hoods for large scale work
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, lab coats, and chemical splash goggles
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved mask if airborne powder becomes a risk
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; keep work areas clean
Appearance: Pale yellow or off-white powder/solid
Odor: Mild or odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and DMSO
Melting Point: Not precisely defined, expected to soften between 50°C and 70°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling under standard atmospheric pressure
Density: Not fully characterized, but higher than water due to the lipid tail
Partition Coefficient: PEG-DBCO tail increases aqueous solubility, amphiphilic nature favors mixed environments
Chemically Stable: DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO remains stable at room temperature if kept dry and protected from strong UV light
Reactivity: Reacts with azide-containing molecules through the DBCO group in strain-promoted click chemistry
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, strong acids
Decomposition: May release small molecule fragments and oligomers if overheated or exposed to strong chemicals
Polymerization: Product does not undergo uncontrolled polymerization
Container Issues: Hygroscopic characteristics demand well-sealed storage for shelf life preservation
Acute Effects: PEG-based and phospholipid-based compounds usually show minimal acute toxicity in mammals; DBCO groups haven’t triggered specific toxic responses in standard lab models
Chronic Effects: No concrete evidence suggests long-term health risks for humans at research exposure levels; high doses or chronic misuse could present unknown risks due to bioaccumulation
Exposure Pathways: Accidental ingestion, skin exposure, or inhalation most common in lab settings
Carcinogenicity, Reproductive, or Mutagenic Effects: No known links yet to cancer, reproductive toxicity, or genetic mutation at anticipated exposure levels
Allergenic Potential: PEG compounds occasionally trigger hypersensitivity in rare cases; personal health history should guide appropriate caution
Aquatic Toxicity: No published data specific to DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO, but PEG and related phospholipids present low bioaccumulation and low toxicity in aquatic environments
Fate and Transport: The compound’s amphiphilic structure increases its tendency to associate with both biological and non-biological materials, complicating prediction of movement through soil and water
Persistence and Degradability: PEG chains tend to display moderate persistence; phospholipid portions may degrade more quickly under biological activity
Bioaccumulation Risk: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic or terrestrial organisms at trace environmental levels
Ecological Notes: Entry into large water systems should be avoided until more robust ecotoxicology studies are completed
Waste Disposal: Collect all unused or spilled material in sealed, properly labeled containers intended for chemical waste
Incineration: Approved chemical incineration remains the best long-term disposal method
Local Regulations: Disposal methods must be consistent with local, regional, and national guidelines for synthetic PEG-lipid derivatives
Other Methods: Landfill or drain disposal never recommended, with ecological persistence and bio-effects needing more study
UN Number and Classification: Not classified as a regulated dangerous good in most jurisdictions, given the absence of acute flammability, toxicity, or explosive risk
Packing Considerations: Use air-tight vessels, moisture-proofing, and impact-resistant packaging
Labeling: Clear, honest labels reflect the chemical’s identity and safe handling tips
Special Precautions: Keep away from moisture, intense light, and heat sources during transit
Transport Methods: Standard shipping for research reagents suits best in most laboratory-to-laboratory transfers
GHS Status: DSPE-PEG(2000)-DBCO does not fall under categories requiring strict pictograms, signal words, or hazard statements in lab-scale usage
REACH or TSCA Listing: Not registered as a controlled or restricted substance under these frameworks
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous, although best practice guidance applies
Other Standards: Product suppliers encourage prudent handling, PPE, and disposal using standard institutional protocols given the cutting-edge nature of this research-grade chemical