Synthesis and anticoagulant activity of sulfated glucoside-bearing polymer

Poly(glucosyloxyethyl methacrylate) sulfate [poly(GEMA) sulfate], which contains sulfated glucoside residues, was prepared by the reaction with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/sulfur trioxide (SO3) complex. The degree of sulfation was easily controlled by changing the amount of DMF/SO3 complex added and reaction time. The total human blood clotting time in the presence of poly(GEMA) sulfate was prolonged by increasing the dose or the degree of sulfation of the polymer. The anticoagulant activity of poly(GEMA) sulfate was also compared with that of dextran sulfate, poly(styrenesulfonic acid), poly(vinylsulfuric acid), and heparin. The result suggests that sulfated saccharide residues are essential for endowing anticoagulant activity to synthetic polymer.