Used in bioconjugation and drug delivery systems, it serves as a linker molecule for attaching therapeutic agents to targeting moieties like antibodies or peptides. Its maleimide group reacts selectively with thiol groups, enabling stable covalent bonds with cysteine residues in proteins or peptides. This property is particularly useful in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy, where it ensures precise delivery of cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells. Additionally, it is employed in polymer chemistry to modify surfaces or create functionalized materials for biomedical applications. Its water-soluble PEG (polyethylene glycol) segment enhances biocompatibility and reduces immunogenicity, making it suitable for in vivo use.