Dextran methacrylate is a versatile natural polymer with a wide range of biomedical applications. Derived from non-toxic and hydrophilic polysaccharide, dextran, this polymer offers remarkable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and biological activity. The added methacrylate functionalization expands its potential, enabling photopolymerization to form crosslinked scaffolds and hydrogels for 3D cell encapsulation, cell culture, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Dextran methacrylate can be used in a wide range of biomedical research applications including:

• Scaffold fabrication - dextran methacrylate can be photopolymerized to create crosslinked scaffolds, providing a 3D environment for cell encapsulation and tissue regeneration
• Tissue engineering - the hydrogel formed from dextran methacrylate promotes cell growth and differentiation within a 3D matrix
• Drug delivery - dextran methacrylate can be used to encapsulate and delivery drugs and therapeutic cells in a controlled and sustained manner

Dextran methacrylate can be combined with other functionalized natural polymers or synthetic polymers to tailor the biochemical and mechanical cues.