pentaisomaltose

Pentaisomaltose is a **non-permeating, low-molecular-weight (1 kDa) carbohydrate** derived as a subfraction of Dextran 1 and is used as a cryoprotective agent (CPA) for the cryopreservation of cells, particularly hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells[1][2][3][5][6]. It acts by stabilizing cellular membranes during freezing, primarily via an **extracellular mechanism** that avoids the cellular toxicity, epigenetic changes, and adverse infusion-related effects associated with traditional permeating agents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)[1][2][3][5][6]. In both preclinical (animal) and in vitro studies, pentaisomaltose has shown comparable recovery, viability, and engraftment of cryopreserved hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells versus DMSO[1][2][3]. It degrades into glucose and water in vivo and is rapidly excreted via the kidneys without production of harmful metabolites[5][6]. The main marketed product containing pentaisomaltose is PentaHibe, developed for cell and tissue cryopreservation, including use in cell therapy workflows[5][6].

Brand names

PentaHibe

Other names

PIM1 kDa subfraction of Dextran 1