The substituent can also be a small molecule (such as biotin, a fluorescent dye, an oligosaccharide, or a nucleic acid), a reactive group, or a synthetic polymer such as polyethylene glycol.

Bismaleimides are a class of compounds with two maleimide groups connected by the nitrogen atoms via a linker, and are used as crosslinking reagents in thermoset polymer chemistry.

Cysteines are often used for site-selective modifications for therapeutic purposes because of the rapid rate of complete bioconjugation with sulfhydryl groups, allowing for higher levels of cytotoxic drug incorporations.

Maleimide-functionalised polymers and liposomes exhibit enhanced ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces (mucoadhesion) due to the reactions with thiol-containing mucins.

Alternatively, cysteines in the positively charged environment or an electron-withdrawing group enable the thiosuccinimide ring to undergo self-hydrolysis.

Lockheed Martin's F-22 extensively uses thermoset composites, with bismaleimide and toughened epoxy comprising up to 17.5% and 6.6% of the structure by weight respectively.

[17] Lockheed Martin's F-35B (a STOVL version of this US fighter) is reportedly composed of bismaleimide materials, in addition to the use of advanced carbon fiber thermoset polymer matrix composites.