Polysaccharide conjugates of biomolecules

Abstract

Compounds that are modified polysaccharides having pendant aldehyde functionalities are disclosed. Each of the aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a different hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a method fore introducing an amine-reactive functionality into a dextran. The method comprises (a) reacting the dextran with an alkylating agent having a functionality that reacts with an hydroxyl group of the dextran thereby forming an alkylated dextran wherein the alkylating agent has an olefin group and (b) treating the alkylated dextran to convert the olefin group to an amine-reactive functionality. A polysaccharide can be conjugated to a biomolecule by carrying out the above method and reacting the amine-reactive functionality with an amine functionality on the biomolecule to produce polysaccharide conjugated to the biomolecule.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A compound that is a modified polysaccharide having pendant aldehyde functionalities wherein each of said aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide.  
   
   
       19 . The compound of  claim 18  having two or more of said pendant aldehyde functionalities.  
   
   
       20 . The compound of  claim 18  wherein there is at least one aldehyde functionality for every 20 monosaccharides of said modified polysaccharide.  
   
   
       21 . The compound of  claim 18  wherein said polysaccharide is dextran.  
   
   
       22 - 48 . (canceled)