Crosslinking of polysaccharides with activated dimethylsulfoxide

A simple method for the crosslinking of dextran, starch, and several other polysaccharides is described. The crosslinking of polysaccharides is performed with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) activated with organic or inorganic acid halogenides or phosphorus pentoxide. The crosslinking level increases with an increase in the acid chloride concentration, the temperature, and the reaction time. A possible crosslinking mechanism is proposed.