Abstract
The search for heparin‐like materials remains an intensive field of research. In this context, we studied the immunomodulatory properties of semisynthetic dextran derivatives and naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharides present in brown seaweed (fucans). In this study, we investigated the functional potencies of fucan and dextran derivatives by analyzing their effects on the release of proinflammatory cytokines by resting or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human monocytes and their interactions on monocyte surfaces. The results showed that fucan, dextran derivatives, and heparin differentially (1) triggered interleukin‐1α, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐8 production by monocytes in a dose‐dependent manner, (2) modulated cytokine production by LPS‐stimulated monocytes, and (3) specifically inhibited the binding of biotinylated LPS to monocyte membranes. Taken together, these data indicated that fucan and dextran derivatives displayed interesting immunomodulatory effects on human blood cells that could be relevant as new drugs or biomaterial coatings. Indeed, such polysaccharides, by regulating monocyte activation, could contribute to the improved biocompatibility of implants. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 375–383, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jbm.10112