Dextran Sulphate

Physical properties

Dextran sulphate is the sodium salt which is a white to off-white powder freely soluble in water and salt solutions to form a stable, clear solution.

Uses

Dextran sulphate is used in immunological research to induce colitis.

Application

Dextran Sulphate is a hydrophilic, non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and safe biopolymer. These biomedically relevant characteristics make DXS a promising building block in the development of nanocarrier systems for several biomedical applications, including imaging and drug delivery.

Mechanism of action

Dextran sulphate is thought to induce colitis by causing injury to the colonic epithelium. The sulphate groups make the dextran molecules highly negatively charged and induce erosions in the epithelium, eventually compromising its integrity and increasing its permeability, while DSS's anticoagulant action promotes intestinal bleeding.