polyethylene glycol

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Food Biotechnology

(Abbreviation: PEG). A polymer having the general formula HOCH₂(CH₂OCH₂)_nCH₂OH and available in a range of molecular weights. Thus PEG 1000 is a polyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 1000. PEG 4000 and 6000 are commonly used to promote cell or protoplast fusion, and to facilitate DNA uptake in the transformation of organisms such as yeast. Also used to concentrate solutions by withdrawing water from them via osmosis.

UN Food and Agriculture Organization — Glossary of Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture