Dextran

Dextran is a high molecular weight polymer of anhydroglucose. It is composed of approximately 95% alpha-D-(1-->6) linkages. Dextrans with molecular weights greater than 10,000 behave as if they are highly branched. As the molecular weight increases, dextran molecules attain greater symmetry. Solutions of 10% dextran (MW ~40,000) exert a slightly higher colloidal osmotic pressure than plasma proteins.

Dextran solutions have been used as plasma extenders. Dextran MW 40,000 has been used for the isolation of intact nuclei. Increase in threonine, serine, proline, and cysteine dietary supply can promote mucin synthesis in dextran sulfate sodium treated rats. Dextran 40 is used in the development of new and improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. Dextran 40 may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers.

Use of dextrans as long and hydrophilic spacer arms improves the performance of immobilized proteins acting on macromolecules. Dextrans are used in many applications as platelet aggregants, plasma volume extenders, osmotic pressure regulators, stabilizers, organ separation media, matrix components, copolymers, microcarriers, binding agents, viscosity modifiers, antithrombotics, lubricants and physical structure components. Dextrans may be used as long hydrophilic spacer arms to improve the performance (freedom of movement) of conjugated/bound proteins. Dextrans may be derivatized for use in biosensor systems.Dextran 40 may be derivatized for use as a cell permeation reagent.