Biotin-PEG2-Mal is a PEG derivative containing a biotin group and a maleimide group for labeling and crosslinking cysteines and other sulfhydryls. The maleimide group reacts specifically with sulfhydryl groups (at pH 6.5-7.5) to form a stable, irreversible thioether linkage. The hydrophilic PEG spacer increases solubility in aqueous media and increases membrane impermeability of the molecules conjugated to the biotin compound. It also helps to minimize steric hindrance involved with the binding to avidin molecules.

Providing storage is as stated on the product vial and the vial is kept tightly sealed, the product can be stored for up to 24 months.
Wherever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20°C. Generally, these will be useable for up to one month. Before use, and prior to opening the vial we recommend that you allow your product to equilibrate to room temperature for at least 1 hour.