Dextran

Dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIONs) have emerged as a cornerstone material in modern biomedical and research applications, driven by their unique combination of magnetic properties and biocompatibility. The development of these particles stems from the growing demand for versatile tools in fields such as molecular imaging, targeted drug delivery, cell separation, and biosensing.

Iron oxide nanoparticles, particularly Fe₃O₄ (magnetite), are inherently magnetic but require surface modification to enhance stability, reduce cytotoxicity, and enable functionalization for specific uses. Dextran, a natural polysaccharide derived from glucose, has become a preferred coating material due to its hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, and ability to form a protective shell around the magnetic core. This coating not only prevents particle aggregation in aqueous environments but also provides reactive sites for further conjugation with biomolecules like antibodies, peptides, or ligands—expanding the particles’ utility in targeted applications.

Over the past decade, advancements in nanotechnology have refined the synthesis of dextran-coated SPIONs, allowing for precise control over particle size, magnetic strength, and surface properties. Particles in the 13–15 nm range, like the product featured here, are particularly valued for their superparamagnetic behavior—exhibiting strong magnetism in an external magnetic field while retaining no residual magnetism once the field is removed. This characteristic is critical for applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, where rapid magnetization and demagnetization ensure clear imaging without particle clumping.

Key application areas driving the adoption of this product include:
Preclinical and clinical imaging: Serving as T₂/T₂* MRI contrast agents to improve the visualization of tissues, tumors, or vascular structures.
Biomedical research: Facilitating cell labeling, sorting, and tracking for studies in immunology, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine.
Diagnostic assays: Enabling sensitive detection of biomolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids) in lateral flow tests or magnetic immunoassays.
Therapeutic delivery: Acting as carriers for targeted drug release, leveraging magnetic guidance to concentrate therapeutics at specific sites in the body.