What Is PEG-6000 (Polyethylene Glycol 6000)?

PEG-6000 (Polyethylene Glycol 6000) is a widely used, water-soluble polymer in molecular biology, protein science, and pharmaceutical research. Owing to its excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability, and predictable molecular behavior, PEG-6000 has become a standard reagent in laboratories worldwide.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of what PEG-6000 is, how it works, and why it is essential for modern biological research. It also serves as the central knowledge hub for all PEG-6000–related content on Biofargo.

What Is PEG-6000?

PEG-6000 is a polyethylene glycol polymer with an average molecular weight of approximately 6,000 Daltons. It belongs to the PEG family, which consists of linear polymers formed by repeating ethylene oxide units.

• 🔬 Chemical name: Polyethylene Glycol 6000
• ⚖️ Average molecular weight: ~6000 Da
• 🧪 Appearance: White to off-white powder or flakes
• 💧 Solubility: Highly soluble in water
• 🧬 Charge: Non-ionic and chemically inert

Chemical Structure and Key Properties

PEG-6000 consists of repeating ethylene oxide units: –(CH₂CH₂O)–ₙ. This simple but highly effective structure gives PEG-6000 its unique physicochemical properties.

How Does PEG-6000 Work in Biological Systems?

The primary mechanism of PEG-6000 is based on the volume-exclusion (macromolecular crowding) effect. When PEG-6000 is added to a solution, it reduces the available solvent volume, effectively increasing the local concentration of biomolecules.

This physical effect allows PEG-6000 to promote molecular interactions without covalent modification or chemical disruption.

Common Laboratory Applications of PEG-6000