Dextran Methacrylate

In the landscape of modern biomedical science, hydrogels are indispensable tools for creating three-dimensional (3D) environments that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). These highly hydrated networks provide structural support for cellular growth, tissue formation, and therapeutic delivery. Among the vast array of available biomaterials, hydrogels derived from natural polymers like dextran offer superior biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Dextran Methacrylate (DexMA) elevates this biocompatible foundation by incorporating tunable, synthetic methacrylate groups, transforming a trusted polysaccharide into a highly versatile and engineerable platform for next-generation biomedical solutions.

Service Overview

At Matexcel, we recognize that pioneering research demands biomaterials with precisely defined and reproducible properties. Our custom Dextran Methacrylate (DexMA) service is a comprehensive, collaborative platform designed to empower innovation. We move beyond off-the-shelf products, partnering with you to develop custom-formulated DexMA hydrogels that are meticulously optimized for your unique application—from fundamental cell biology studies to the development of advanced therapeutic systems and medical devices.

Technical Principle: From Polysaccharide to Functional Network

The creation of a functional DexMA hydrogel is a sophisticated two-stage process that combines the stability of a natural polymer with the engineering control of synthetic chemistry.

• First, during synthesis, the dextran polymer, which is rich in hydroxyl (OH) groups, is chemically modified. We covalently attach methacrylate functional groups to these sites using established chemical reactions, for instance with methacrylic anhydride. The extent of this reaction is precisely controlled to achieve a specific Degree of Substitution (DS), a critical parameter that dictates the hydrogel's future properties.
• Second, the resulting DexMA macromonomer is crosslinked into a stable 3D hydrogel network via photopolymerization. In the presence of a photoinitiator, exposing the DexMA solution to a specific wavelength of light (UV or visible) initiates a rapid polymerization of the methacrylate groups. This process occurs under mild, cytocompatible conditions (e.g., neutral pH, room temperature), making it ideal for encapsulating live cells and biologics with high viability.

Key Technical Features

Our DexMA hydrogels are defined by a synergistic combination of features that make them ideal for a wide range of biomedical applications.

• Exceptional Biocompatibility & Biodegradability: Derived from clinical-grade dextran, a non-toxic polysaccharide with a long history of medical use, DexMA hydrogels are inherently biocompatible and biodegradable, breaking down into safe byproducts suitable for in vivo applications.
• Unmatched Tunability: The physical and biochemical properties of DexMA hydrogels can be precisely tailored. By modulating the dextran molecular weight, degree of substitution (DS), and polymer concentration, we can independently control mechanical stiffness, swelling ratio, porosity, and degradation rate to mimic a wide spectrum of native tissues.
• Advanced Processability: The rapid and controllable nature of photocrosslinking makes DexMA exceptionally compatible with advanced biofabrication techniques. It is a premier material for creating complex micro-architectures and is widely used as a high-performance bioink for 3D bioprinting applications.

Classification of DexMA Systems

To meet the diverse needs of our clients, Matexcel offers DexMA hydrogel systems classified by key design parameters:

• By Dextran Molecular Weight (MW): We offer a wide range of starting dextran molecular weights (e.g., 10 kDa to 500 kDa). Lower MW dextrans typically form more flexible, faster-degrading networks, while higher MW dextrans create more robust, mechanically stable scaffolds.
• By Degree of Methacrylation (DS): We can tune the DS from low (e.g., 5%) to high (e.g., 70%). A lower DS results in softer gels with higher swelling and faster degradation, ideal for rapid cell infiltration. A higher DS creates stiffer, more stable gels suitable for load-bearing applications or long-term controlled release.
• By Formulation: We develop pure DexMA hydrogels for well-defined systems, as well as hybrid/composite hydrogels. DexMA can be blended with other biopolymers like gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) or hyaluronic acid (HA) to incorporate specific biological motifs or functionalities.

Application Areas

• Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine: As advanced biomimetic scaffolds, DexMA hydrogels support the regeneration of diverse tissues, including bone, cartilage, and vascular networks.
• Advanced Drug Delivery: The tunable porous network of DexMA allows for the controlled, sustained release of therapeutics, from small molecule drugs to large protein growth factors.
• 3D Bioprinting and Biofabrication: As a leading bioink component, DexMA enables the layer-by-layer fabrication of complex, cell-laden tissue constructs with high structural fidelity.
• 3D Cell Culture and Disease Modeling: DexMA provides physiologically relevant 3D environments for in vitro studies, enabling more accurate drug screening and deeper insights into cell-matrix interactions and disease progression.

Our Services

At Matexcel, we understand that breakthrough research requires materials that are not just high-quality, but perfectly tailored to the task at hand. To empower your innovation, we offer a comprehensive suite of custom Dextran Methacrylate (DexMA) development services, providing you with full control over the critical parameters of your hydrogel system. Our services include custom synthesis, formulation development, comprehensive characterization, and process scale-up to support your project from concept to commercialization.

• Specify Your Desired Molecular Weight (MW): We enable you to select the ideal dextran base molecular weight for your application, offering a comprehensive range from 10 kDa to 500 kDa. By choosing the MW, you gain direct control over your hydrogel's fundamental mechanical strength, network structure, and degradation profile.
• Define the Exact Degree of Substitution (DS): We give you the power to fine-tune your hydrogel's properties by precisely defining the Degree of Substitution (DS). We can synthesize DexMA with a DS anywhere from 5% to 70%, allowing you to dictate the crosslink density and meticulously control the final stiffness, swelling ratio, and release kinetics.
• Select the Optimal Photoinitiator System: We can help you identify and provide the most suitable photoinitiator for your experimental design. Whether you require robust UV crosslinking with Irgacure 2959 or need highly cytocompatible visible light systems using LAP or Ruthenium for delicate cell cultures, we will ensure you have an optimized system ready for use.
• Co-develop Advanced and Hybrid Formulations: Your research may demand properties beyond those of pure DexMA. We can partner with you to create advanced formulations, blending DexMA with other bioactive polymers like GelMA or Hyaluronic Acid to introduce cell-adhesion motifs, or incorporating nanoparticles to achieve specific functional enhancements.
• Choose Your Preferred Final Product Format: To ensure seamless integration into your workflow, we deliver your custom DexMA in the format that works best for you. You can choose a lyophilized powder for excellent long-term stability and easy reconstitution, or a sterile, pre-dissolved solution that is ready for immediate use in your critical cell-based experiments.

Company Service Advantages

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Custom-engineered dextran methacrylate hydrogels represent a powerful and versatile platform for advancing research in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and 3D bioprinting. Matexcel's expertise in customization, rigorous quality control, and collaborative approach removes material-related hurdles, allowing you to focus on achieving your scientific and therapeutic goals. Partner with Matexcel to engineer the precise biomaterials you need. Contact our specialists today to discuss your project and discover how our custom DexMA platform can accelerate your path to discovery.

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