Medical devices

Dextran in medical devices

As a component in medical devices, dextran can easily be modified to enhance performance and biocompatibility. Dextran is a carbohydrate commonly used as a coating material applied to the surfaces of medical devices such as catheters, stents and implants. The dextran coating can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions or inflammation when the device comes into contact with biological tissues, and it can help prevent the formation of blood clots or biofilms on the device surface.

 Dextran can also be used as a component in hydrogels or scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Hydrogels made from dextran can provide a three-dimensional structure that mimics the extracellular matrix, supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration. Dextran-based scaffolds can be used for wound healing, tissue repair, and drug delivery applications.

The specific use and effectiveness of dextran may vary depending on the device type, intended application, and regulatory requirements.