Dextran aldehyde, or aldehyde functionalized dextran, is a versatile, high quality natural polymer used in a variety of biomedical research applications. Dextran, a naturally synthesized polysaccharide, offers excellent biocompatibility, water solubility and low toxicity, minimizing any adverse effects on cellular behavior. The aldehyde function groups present on the dextran backbone can react with amine or hydrazide groups present on a variety of biomolecules or other polymers.

Applications of dextran aldehyde include 3D cell culture and cell encapsulation, tissue engineering, wound healing, tissue adhesives, drug delivery, and anti-adhesion barriers on medical devices. It is also used as a biocatalyst and the chemical engineering enzymes. The aldehyde functional group enable efficient crosslinking with a variety amine containing biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, antibodies, and enzymes. It can also crosslink with other natural or synthetic polymers to form biocompatible hydrogels, drug delivery systems, or other tissue engineering scaffolds.