A minor modification of natural Dextran polysaccharide is sufficient to confer interfacial activity and stabilize O/W emulsions, even when functionalised with hydrophilic groups at either slightly acidic or neutral pH. The resulting emulsions are enzyme-responsive thanks to the presence of ester bonds, inherent to methacrylic functionalization. These properties open opportunities for encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs and/or active ingredients and triggered controlled release in the presence of biologically relevant enzymes, such as lipases.
For further information: Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 May 6;57(37):4540-4543. doi: 10.1039/d1cc00819f.
