Used as a crosslinking agent in hydrogel formation for biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Its thiol groups enable efficient thiol-ene click chemistry, allowing rapid, mild-condition polymerization. Provides high water solubility and flexibility due to the ethylene glycol chains, improving biocompatibility and reducing protein adsorption. Also applied in surface functionalization of nanoparticles and biosensors, where controlled monolayer formation and stability in aqueous environments are essential.