In vitro biocompatibility of biodegradable dextran-based hydrogels tested with human fibroblasts.

The cytotoxicity of dextran T40, methacrylated dextran (dex-MA) and hydroxyethyl-methacrylated dextran (dex-HEMA), dextran-based hydrogel discs and microspheres, and their degradation products, was studied by measuring the cell proliferation inhibition index (CPII) on human fibroblasts in vitro. In addition, during the 72 h incubation period light-microscopic observations were performed daily. After 24 h of incubation with dextran and dex-HEMA polymers, the cells showed elongated or spider-like forms, some lipid droplets and intracellular granula, indicative of pinocytosis and internalization of the polymers.

A versatile method for the conjugation of proteins and peptides to poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate].

Random copolymers of 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA) were synthesized by radical polymerization. The amount of incorporated primary amino groups could be controlled by the feed ratio of AEMA to DMAEMA, and was varied from 2 to 6 mol %. Subsequently, protected thiol groups were introduced in a derivatization step with N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP) and subsequent treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT).

Degradation kinetics of methacrylated dextrans in aqueous solution.

The kinetics of the hydrolysis of glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex-MA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex-Hema, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were systematically investigated in aqueous solution in the H0/pH range of -1.8 to 10.4 at 37 degrees C.