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Zhong, J. Heparin. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/61131 (accessed on 09 November 2026).
Zhong J. Heparin. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/61131. Accessed November 09, 2026.
Zhong, Jack. "Heparin" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/61131 (accessed November 09, 2026).
Zhong, J. (2026, October 19). Heparin. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/61131
Zhong, Jack. "Heparin." Encyclopedia. Web. 19 October, 2026.

Heparin

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Heparin is a strongly sulfated glycosaminoglycan used clinically as an anticoagulant, and it acts by accelerating the inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin. Its activity depends on a specific pentasaccharide sequence that binds antithrombin, so not every chain in a commercial preparation is active [1]. The molecule is heterogeneous in chain length and in sulfate content, and this heterogeneity is the main reason the potency is expressed in international units rather than by mass [2]. Because it is strongly anionic, heparin binds to many proteins and to positively charged surfaces, which is the basis of its role as a coating on blood-contacting devices [3]. Immobilised on a polymer surface it reduces thrombus formation without being released into the circulation, although the long-term stability of the coating is uncertain [4]. Its short half-life in vivo has driven the development of low-molecular-weight fractions and of synthetic analogues that retain the antithrombin-binding sequence [5].

anticoagulant coagulation cascade glycosaminoglycan antithrombin pentasaccharide sulfation surface coating low-molecular-weight heparin
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References

  1. Wei, H.; Han, L.; Ren, J.; Jia, L. Anticoagulant Surface Coating Using Composite Polysaccharides with Embedded Heparin-Releasing Mesoporous Silica. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2013, 5, 12571-12578. [CrossRef]
  2. Mulinti, P.; Kalita, D.; Hasan, R.; Quadir, M.; Wang, Y.; Brooks, A. Development and processing of novel heparin binding functionalized modified spider silk coating for catheter providing dual antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties. Materialia 2020, 14, 100937. [CrossRef]
  3. Reardon, B.; Pasalic, L.; Lippi, G.; Favaloro, E.J. Heparin Anticoagulant Therapy and Its Monitoring. Biomolecules 2026, 16, 425. [CrossRef]
  4. Li, C.; Zhang, M.; Liu, X.; Zhao, W.; Zhao, C. Immobilization of heparin-mimetic biomacromolecules on Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetic anticoagulant via mussel-inspired coating. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2020, 109, 110516. [CrossRef]
  5. Palm, M.; Mattsson, C.; Svahn, C.M.; Weber, M. Bleeding Times in Rats Treated with Heparin, Heparin Fragments of High and Low Anticoagulant Activity and chemically Modified Heparin Fragments of Low Anticoagulant Activity. Thrombosis and Haemostasis 1990, 64, 127-132. [CrossRef]
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Subjects: Hematology
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Update Date: 19 Oct 2026
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