Dissertation

Design and application of dextran based cross-linked networks

This thesis describes the design, characterization and application of dextran based crosslinked network.

Author: Gao, Y.
Date: 18 October 2018
Links: Thesis in Leiden Repository

This thesis describes the design, characterization and application of dextran based crosslinked network. Dextran, a neutral and hydrophilic polysaccharide, was functionalized with maleimide or vinyl sulfone groups which are able to form covalent bonds with nucleophilic thiols via a thiol-Michael addition reaction. The functionalized dextran polymers are liable to be crosslinked to generate 3D networks. Novel drug delivery platforms, including dextran-albumin hydrogels and dextran-poly(ethylene glycol)-albumin hydrogels, were established in which human serum albumin acts simultaneously as an affinity-based drug carrier and crosslinker. The obtained drug delivery platforms showed high drug loading efficiency and demonstrated sustained release of drug molecules. This thesis also explores emerging applications of hydrogels. New method to form giant unilamellar vesicles was established by assisting the hydration process of a lipid film with a dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel film. Using this approach, polymer and additive-free GUVs can be prepared rapidly in high yield under physiological ionic strength conditions.