Dextran Formulations as Effective Delivery Systems of Therapeutic Agents

Abstract

Dextran is by far one of the most interesting non-toxic, bio-compatible macromolecules, an exopolysaccharide biosynthesized by lactic acid bacteria. It has been extensively used as a major component in many types of drug-delivery systems (DDS), which can be submitted to the next in-vivo testing stages, and may be proposed for clinical trials or pharmaceutical use approval. An important aspect to consider in order to maintain high DDS’ biocompatibility is the use of dextran obtained by fermentation processes and with a minimum chemical modification degree. By performing chemical modifications, artefacts can appear in the dextran spatial structure that can lead to decreased biocompatibility or even cytotoxicity. The present review aims to systematize DDS depending on the dextran type used and the biologically active compounds transported, in order to obtain desired therapeutic effects. So far, pure dextran and modified dextran such as acetalated, oxidised, carboxymethyl, diethylaminoethyl-dextran and dextran sulphate sodium, were used to develop several DDSs: microspheres, microparticles, nanoparticles, nanodroplets, liposomes, micelles and nanomicelles, hydrogels, films, nanowires, bio-conjugates, medical adhesives and others. The DDS are critically presented by structures, biocompatibility, drugs loaded and therapeutic points of view in order to highlight future therapeutic perspectives.

An Overview of Biopolymers for Drug Delivery Applications

“…Thus, many DDSs containing acetylated, diethyl aminoethyl-dextran, carboxymethyl, or the sodium salt of dextran sulphate have been eliminated from in vivo or clinical studies. Many DDSs with dextran were developed in the form of microspheres, micro-and nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, hydrogel, and medical adhesives for medical and pharmaceutical applications [83]. Lately, the formation of micelles using grafted dextran for DDSs in anticancer therapy has received great attention [84].…”

Advances in Nano-Functional Materials in Targeted Thrombolytic Drug Delivery

“…Zenych et al also conducted relevant work on the treatment time window in ischemic cerebral infarction disease, using fucoidan (a naturally occurring algal-derived sulfated polysaccharide, a cheap and high-quality P-selectin targeting ligand, which has become part of the contrast agent for diagnosing atherosclerosis in the European Union [108,109]). The improved dextran (a nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly hydrophilic biopolymer [110]) hydrogel polysaccharide submicron combined with alteplase overcomes the problems of cerebral infarction and blood-brain barrier permeability after ischemia [111]. Due to the uncontrolled production of thrombin caused by infection, the production of thrombin makes fibrin deposit in the microvascular system, and the formation of microthrombosis consumes coagulation factors, which can start fibrinolysis and lead to diffuse hemorrhage, resulting in diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) [112].…”

Combination of Nanodelivery Systems and Constituents Derived from Novel Foods: A Comprehensive Review

“…Astragalus membranaceus root extract Polysaccharide nanoparticles [8,9] Cellobiose Cryoprotectant for liposomes [10] Chia seed oil from Salvia hispanica L. Liposomes and nanoemulsions [11] Chitosan extracted from fungi (Aspergillus niger; Agaricus bisporus) Chitosan nanoparticles [8,12,13] Chondroitin sulphate (synthetic) Polysaccharide nanoparticles [14][15][16] Coagulated potato proteins Protein-based nanoparticles [17,18] Dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides Polysaccharide nanoparticles Reviewed by [19] Digitaria exilis Polysaccharide nanoparticles [20] Eggshell membrane protein hydrolysate Protein-based nanoparticles [21][22][23] Fucoidan extracted from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus and Undaria pinnatifida Polysaccharide nanoparticles [24][25][26] Guar gum Polysaccharide nanoparticles [27] Lucerne leaf extract from Medicago sativa Protein-based nanoparticles [28] Mung bean seed proteins from Vigna radiata Protein-based nanoparticles [29,30] Panax notoginseng root extract Polysaccharide nanoparticles [31] Phytoglycogen Polysaccharide nanoparticles Polyelectrolyte complex [32][33][34][35][36][37] Phytosterols Solid lipid nanoparticles Liposomes [38,39] Phospholipids from egg yolk Liposomes [40][41][42] Phosphatidylserine from soya and fish phospholipids Liposomes [43,44] Rapeseed protein from Brassica nap...…”