Synthesis and structure-anticoagulant property relationships of functionalized dextrans: CMDBS

The CMDBS compounds (carboxymethyl dextran benzylamide sulfonate) are prepared from native dextran (average molecular weight of 40,000 g/mol) after three consecutive reactions: carboxymethylation of hydroxyl groups on random D-glucose units (CM), conversion of carboxylate groups to benzylamide structures (B), and sulfonation of the phenyl ring (S). These polymers exhibit a heparin-like anticoagulant capacity which is closely related to their CM/S ratio. Evidence is presented to show that the distribution of S-containing groups along the polymer backbone can be optimized to get the best anticoagulant activity. Indeed, the anticoagulant activity reached a maximum after a sulfonation time of 1 h.