Methoxy-capped PEG thiols have been used in comparison studies together with hydroxyl-capped ethylene glycol surfaces to study their resistance to protein adsorption (M. Zolk, et al., Langmuir, 2000, 16, 5849).

The success formation of a non-fouling SAM using PEG alkanethiols is dependent on many factors, such as the self-assembly solvent, temperature and time. Please see alternative self-assembly procedure.