Synergistic modulation of pH and dextran on high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate microgel particles: Dual-stabilization mechanisms analysis and 3D printing applications.

ABSTRACT Polymer electrolytes are promising for future energy storage devices due to their safety, flexibility, and processability, but their low ionic conductivity remains a limitation. In this study, a chitosan (CS)–dextran (DN) blend electrolyte was modified with potassium thiocyanate (KSCN), TiO 2 nanoparticles, and varying glycerol concentrations (9–45 wt.%) to enhance ionic conductivity. Five films (EV1–EV5) were prepared using solution casting and extensively characterized. X‐ray diffraction confirmed a largely amorphous structure with reduced crystallinity at higher glycerol content, while FTIR verified strong molecular interactions and complexation among components. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed a remarkable decrease in resistance from 143.5 kΩ (EV1) to 60 Ω (EV5), resulting in a conductivity increase from 2.55 × 10 − 8 to 7.00 × 10 − 5 S cm − 1 , an enhancement of about 2,750‐fold. Dielectric analysis indicated higher permittivity and loss, consistent with enhanced ion dissociation and polarization. Moreover, relaxation time decreased from 26.11 to 0.288 µs, with significant improvements in ionic mobility and diffusivity, evidencing faster ion transport. These findings highlight glycerol's role as an effective plasticizer in improving structural flexibility and electrochemical performance, establishing the CS‐based electrolyte system as a strong candidate for next‐generation solid‐state energy storage applications.

Enhanced viability of encapsulated probiotics using whey protein isolate-dextran conjugates: Effect of dextran molar mass.

Spontaneous formation of protein microcapsules using water-in-water emulsions stabilized by protein microgels.

Modulation mechanism of dextran-mediated glycation on soy protein isolate-quercetin interaction: a spectroscopic and molecular docking study.

Quinoa protein-dextran conjugates as functional stabilizers for curcumin-loaded Nanoemulsions.

We study the partitioning of motile bacteria in an aqueous two-phase mixture of dextran (DEX) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can phase separate into DEX-rich and PEG-rich phases. While nonmotile bacteria partition exclusively into the DEX-rich phase in all conditions tested, we observed that motile bacteria penetrate the soft DEX-PEG interface and partition variably among the two phases. For our model organism Bacillus subtilis, the fraction of motile bacteria in the DEX-rich phase increased from 0.58 to 1 as we increased the DEX composition within the two-phase region. We hypothesized that the chemical affinity between DEX and the bacteria cell wall acts to weakly confine the bacteria within the DEX-rich phase; however, motility can generate sufficient mechanical forces to overcome the soft confinement and propel the bacteria into the PEG-rich phase. Using optical tweezers to drag a bacterium across the DEX-PEG interface, we demonstrate that the overall bacteria partitioning is determined by a competition between the interfacial forces and bacterial propulsive forces. Our measurements are supported by a theoretical model of dilute active rods embedded within a periodic soft confinement potential.

Dextran-engineered Cu-MOF nanozyme with multi-enzyme mimetic cascade for cuproptosis-enhanced synergistic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

ABSTRACT The design of novel drug nanocarriers is vital for advancing pharmaceutical innovations and enabling significant improvements in therapeutic delivery systems to enhance public health outcomes. The efficacy of the delivery process is heavily reliant on the carrier's proficiency in precisely reaching its intended target sites. Therefore, the need for advanced active molecules as carriers is progressively intensifying. Polysaccharides, sustainable polymers sourced from renewable biomass, rank as the third most abundant biomolecule in nature, underpinning a wide array of vital life activities. Polysaccharides with self‐assembled properties represent an innovative class of advanced materials with immense potential in drug delivery, enabling controlled drug release and enhanced stability while minimizing side effects. Thus, in this review, we confine our discussion to self‐assembled carrier systems based on dextran (DEX), cellulose, cyclodextrins (CD), alginate, hyaluronic acid (HA), heparin, pectin, and chitosan (CTS). The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze the various modification strategies employed in the formation of polysaccharide‐based self‐assembled materials, examine their resultant properties, and provide an in‐depth discussion on the role of polysaccharide‐based self‐assembled systems in enabling sustained drug delivery to targeted sites. It is expected to provide some design ideas and inspiration for subsequent polysaccharide‐based drug delivery systems.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in mediating and regulating biological processes, such as intercellular communication and signaling. The isolation and purification of EVs from biological samples are prerequisites for EV research. Herein, a Dean flow-assisted microfluidic aqueous two-phase extraction chip (DATPEC) was developed for isolating EVs from biological samples. In aqueous two-phase laminar flow, EVs with hydrophilic surfaces selectively migrate from the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) phase to the dextran (DEX) phase, which is accelerated by Dean flow. However, the proteins were still retained in the PEG phase due to the laminar effect and their surface properties. The separation performance of the DATPEC was investigated using breast cancer-derived EVs, and 91.1% EVs could be recovered from the cell culture medium supernatant with a protein removal rate of 95.6%. As a proof of concept, this technique was coupled with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to analyze surface proteins (EpCAM and EGFR) of EVs derived from eight cell lines. Fluorescent aptamers were specifically labeled on EVs, revealing the single-vesicle heterogeneity. In conclusion, DATPEC enables simple and efficient separation of high-purity EVs and exhibits the potential to be integrated with downstream techniques for EV analysis.

Construction and stability evaluation of a novel Amadori-type dextran-casein phosphopeptide-Ca2+ delivery system.

Synthesis of RGD-dextran-coated Fe-porphyrin-based Zr-MOF for CT/MR imaging and targeted chemo-photothermal therapy of melanoma.

Microdroplet generation with the desired size is essential in various fields; however, conventional methods require complex equipment and precise flow control, limiting their accessibility. To address this challenge, this research introduces a novel and straightforward method for one‐step generation of uniform, cell‐sized droplets using a simple microfluidic channel made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This approach exploits the inherent water‐absorption properties of PDMS to induce phase separation in a homogeneous aqueous two‐phase system comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX). Injecting a homogeneous PEG/DEX mixture below the critical concentration for phase separation into the PDMS microchannel resulted in gradual dehydration, inducing microphase separation and generating linearly arranged DEX‐rich droplets within a PEG‐rich continuous phase. Time‐lapse observations revealed that this dehydration‐driven process is gradual and controlled, producing uniform droplet sizes. The key aspects of the observed phenomena are replicated through numerical simulations using a modified Cahn–Hilliard equation that accounts for the inherent water absorption characteristics of PDMS. Furthermore, the versatility of this method is demonstrated by the successful encapsulation of various materials, such as Escherichia coli, DNA, antibodies, and nanoparticles, within the droplets. This effective technique holds promise for a wide range of applications, such as drug delivery and artificial cell engineering.

Polyvinyl alcohol/graphene oxide/dextran hydrogel doped copper oxide modified biochar with nano-enzymatic activity and multiple synergistic effects for accelerated diabetic wound healing.

Abstract BACKGROUNDAqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) are generated by mixing immiscible solutions of polymer–polymer combinations that above certain concentrations form two phases, enabling selective partition of biological particles, such as cells. Leveraging this, novel biomedical applications have emerged using ATPS for three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture due to their ability to replicate tumor in vivo conditions. Current approaches require sophisticated equipment and trained personnel for tumor cell in vitro production. To address this, a 3D cell culture method using ATPS and basic laboratory equipment for culturing MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell spheroids (CCS) has been designed.RESULTSCCS configuration is achieved through the confinement of cells within droplets of 12.8% w/w dextran (DEX) 500 000 g mol−1 that are subsequently submerged in 5% w/w polyethylene glycol 35 000 g mol−1. Confining MDA‐MB‐231 cells in DEX at different cell densities (5.0 × 103 to 1.6 × 105 cells) produced CCS of diameters ranging from 276.43 ± 17.08 to 734.28 ± 88.85 μm after 48 h of culture, indicating that CCS of increasing size are achieved. Furthermore, 8‐day examination of CCS viability showed reduced cell metabolic activity compared to their 2D culture (P‐value < 0.05) and consistent viability from day 4 of culture (P‐value >0.05), reflecting diminished diffusion of nutrients and enabling assessment of long‐term biological processes. Finally, CCS showed a deviation from a sigmoidal response to paclitaxel, displaying an increase of 31% in maximum cell viability inhibition (Emax), in contrast to their 2D counterpart, signifying drug resistance.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the ATPS‐3D approach can produce in vitro models of consistent, predictable signals for endpoint assays and biologically complex responses to drugs. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Reperfusion, while essential for restoring blood supply, paradoxically exacerbates neuronal damage through cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). This study aimed to develop a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery system (DDS) loaded with edaravone (EDA) to enhance targeted therapy for CIRI.The stimuli-responsive DDS was synthesized using dextran (DEX) as the biocompatible carrier and benzeneboronic acid pinacol ester (BAPE) as the ROS-sensitive moiety. The physicochemical characteristics of the DEX-BAPE/EDA (DB/EDA) micelles were systematically evaluated. In vitro studies assessed the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects of DB/EDA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of DB/EDA in vivo was analyzed via behavioral tests, infarct volume measurement, ELISA assays of inflammatory cytokines and OS markers, and Western blot analysis of Nrf2-related pathways. Pharmacokinetics and biosafety were analyzed through plasma profiling and H&E staining.DB/EDA exhibited high stability, efficient drug encapsulation, and ROS-responsive drug release. Cellular uptake studies confirmed enhanced internalization of DB/EDA micelles in BV2 cells. In the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model, DB/EDA significantly suppressed TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, restored SOD levels, and attenuated apoptosis. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mice, DB/EDA administration effectively improves cognition and mitigates neuronal damage. Mechanistically, DB/EDA activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, amplifying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed prolonged circulation and increased brain accumulation, and histopathological analysis demonstrated the safety profile of DB/EDA.The ROS-responsive DB/EDA nano-micelles provided targeted EDA delivery to ischemic brain regions, alleviating CIRI via Nrf2 activation, suggesting that DB/EDA is a promising strategy for CIRI treatment.

The polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) polymer is here functionalized with branched and biocompatible polysaccharide dextran (DEX) molecules. Covalent conjugation of DEX to PAH has been achieved through a straightforward reductive amination approach, allowing for a controlled number of DEX chains per PAH polymer (PAH:DEXn, n=0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10). When exposed to phosphate buffer, PAH:DEXn polymers form supramolecular assemblies. Physico chemical characteristics and pH responsiveness of the assemblies are correlated with the number of dextran chains per PAH molecule. Nanocapsules (NCs) are formed when PAH:DEX ratio is 1. Capsule formation is explained by the branched nature of DEX and steric consideration ruling the organization of polyamine chains in phosphate buffer. NCs and glyconanoparticles formed with n<1 are responsive to pH changes, being disassembled at endosomal pH<6 and reassembled when 6<pH<9. Dynamic light Scattering (DLS), ζ-potential measurements, cryo-Electron Microscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) provided key information about their structure, morphology, size, polydispersity, surface charge, and stability over time. Protein entrapment into the NCs and pH-dependent release is demonstrated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein by diffusion measurements in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), following changes in BSA conformation before and after triggering NC disassembly by circular dichroism (CD), and comparing NCs SAXS fingerprints with and without BSA. Our results show novel assemblies based on polyamine phosphate interactions with capacity of loading large molecules through the formation of capsules, which may find applications in the endosomal delivery of therapeutic proteins and enzymes.

Cell-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) applications involve the construction of 3D cultures encapsulating cells in polyethylene glycol (PEG)-dextran (DEX) droplets due to their low interfacial tension. This technology has enabled cell patterning in a controlled-defined shape giving rise to specific cell microenvironments. The present work aims to encapsulate MCF-7 cancer cells in ATPS droplets evaluating four different compositions of PEG-DEX, construction Strategies A (droplet added), B (immersed), or C (covered), and two cell densities (5000 and 10,000 cells/µL) during a 24 h incubation time using 96-well plates. The smallest cell-containing DEX droplets showed a mid-range value of 1.05±0.33mm using Strategy C whereas the largest of 1.46±0.49mm in Strategy B. However, Strategy A was associated with higher rates of circularity. After 24 h, MCF-7 spheroids were formed in all PEG-DEX systems showing a diameter size ranging from 0.10 to 0.65mm. Their circularity was higher in low cell densities. Higher rates of cell viability were obtained in PEG 35,000-DEX 500,000 systems for a period of 4 days showing tumor-specific traits compared to 2D control. This work demonstrates practical strategies for 3D model construction for cancer niche for future drug screening studies using basic laboratory equipment.

ABSTRACTFully biobased diblock copolymers were synthesized by reducing amination from dextran (DEX) and amino‐terminated polylactide (PLA). The resulting copolymers were characterized by using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and the Kaiser test. Self‐assembled copolymer micelles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The micelles are spherical in shape, and the particle size increases with the increase of both DEX and PLA block lengths. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) of copolymers was determined by fluorescence spectrometry. Data showed that the CMC decreases with the increase of PLA block length. Drug loading and drug release properties of DEX‐PLA micelles were evaluated using curcumin as a model drug. An increase in drug loading content is obtained with the increase of the PLA block length. In vitro drug release from DEX‐PLA micelles was performed at 37°C in phosphate‐buffered saline. Biphasic release was observed with an initial burst followed by slower release. The drug release rate from DEX‐PLA micelles was mainly related to copolymer composition and reached 84.17% at 120 h for the copolymer with the highest hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio (DEX10K‐PLA20). DEX‐PLA micelles present good cytocompatibility as evidenced by the MTT assay, and drug‐loaded micelles exhibit significant cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. The half‐maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of drug‐loaded DEX10K‐PLA20 micelles was 9.12 μg/mL, which was lower than that of free curcumin (11.9 μg/mL). Therefore, self‐assembled micelles prepared from fully biobased DEX‐PLA copolymers could be a promising nanocarrier for hydrophobic antitumor drugs.

Electrospun fish gelatin (FGel) nanofibers (NF) mimic the natural bodies extracellular matrix's (ECM) structure and are an attractive material for many biomedical applications. However, FGel poor mechanical properties and rapid dissolution in an aqueous media paired with usually low productivity of the typical electrospinning process necessitate further effort in overcoming these issues. In this study, alternating field electrospinning (AFES) fabricates cold water fish skin gelatin nanofibrous materials (FGel NFM) with up to 10 wt.% Dextran (DEX) or acetyl glucosamine (AGA) from pure aqueous solutions at process productivity of 7.92-8.90 g∙h-1. Thermal crosslinking of as-spun materials resulted in FGel-based NFM with 125-325nm fiber diameters. DEX (MW500k and MW75k) and AGA additives cause different effects on FGel fiber diameters, structure, tensile and degradation behavior, and in vitro performance. All tested materials reveal favorable, but not the same, cellular response through the formation of a confluent layer on the NFM surface regardless of the fibers' composition despite the significant difference in FGel NFM structure and properties. Results show that AFES and thermal crosslinking of FGel-based NFM can lead to a sustainable "green" fabrication technology of mono- and polysaccharide modified FGel-based NFM scaffolds with the parameters attuned to targeted biomedical applications.