Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) (MW 450000-550000) is a polymer of anhydroglucose with a molecular weight ranging from 450000 to 550000. Various molecular weights of dextran sulfate sodium salt exhibit different biological activities. DSS (MW 450000-550000) inhibits the replication of HIV-1 and influenza A virus. Additionally, dextran sulfate sodium salt (DXS) can be formulated into nanoparticles, showing antibacterial properties, and is useful in the preparation of functional materials.

Dextran sulfate sodium salt (MW 500000) nanoparticles can be prepared using gelation technology and exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas spp. (MIC: 150-250 μg/mL). Furthermore, dextran sulfate sodium salt (MW 500000) inhibits HIV-1 replication in MT-4 cells with an IC 50 of 10.9 μg/mL and at a concentration of 30 μg/mL. It can be integrated into self-assembled PEI-DNA complexes (a non-viral gene delivery polymer) to reduce cytotoxicity. Additionally, dextran sulfate sodium salt (MW 500000) exhibits blood compatibility and interacts with blood components. It can be covalently bonded to cellulose membranes to study the platelet adhesion properties of modified membranes. Moreover, dextran sulfate sodium salt (MW 450000-550000) (3% w/v) is utilized for the isolation of neutrophils from human and rat blood.