DSPE-PEG-Ald, MW 5000, is a phospholipid PEG polymer with a hydrophilic head oriented towards water (micelle), allowing it to spontaneously self-assemble in aqueous environments. It is utilized in forming liposomes for drug nanocarriers, applicable in delivering nutrients and therapeutic agents, such as lipid nanoparticles in mRNA or DNA vaccines. The aldehyde group can react with aminooxy groups to form stable oxime linkages or with amines at pH < 7 to create reversible imine bonds. This compound is available as reagent grade, for research use only.