Dextran

Dextran is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide composed predominantly of α-(1→6)-linked D-glucose units, with varying degrees of α-(1→3) branching. It is naturally synthesized by certain strains of Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus through the action of the enzyme dextransucrase, which uses sucrose as a substrate. Dextran is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol.

Commercial dextrans have various molecular weight (MW) grades, such as:

• Dextran 5, average MW 4,000–6,000
• Dextran 10, average MW 9,000–11,000
• Dextran 20, average MW 16,000–24,000
• Dextran 40, average MW 32,000–42,000
• Dextran 60, average MW 54,000–66,000
• Dextran 70, average MW 64,000–76,000

• Biocompatible carrier: Dextran is highly water-soluble, biocompatible, and non-toxic, making it ideal as a drug carrier or plasma volume expander.
• Colloid osmotic agent: It increases blood plasma volume by drawing fluid into the vasculature, aiding in shock and trauma management.
• Anti-coagulant action: High molecular weight dextrans can reduce blood viscosity and inhibit platelet aggregation.

• Conjugated with drugs, antibodies, or nanoparticles to enhance stability and targeting (e.g., dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in MRI).
• Fluorescently labeled dextrans are used in tracer studies, vascular permeability assays, and live-cell imaging.
• Employed to induce or inhibit immune responses and study macrophage uptake.
• Used to simulate blood flow and serve as a structural hydrogel component.

• White or almost white lyophilized powder
• Store at room temperature