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Sigma-Aldrich

Dextran from Leuconostoc spp.

Mr ~40,000

Synonym(s):

DEXTRAN 40

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
(C6H10O5)n
CAS Number:
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352201
NACRES:
NA.25

biological source

(Leuconostoc spp)

Quality Level

form

powder

mol wt

Mr ~40,000

technique(s)

cryopreservation: suitable
gel permeation chromatography (GPC): suitable

loss

≤7% loss on drying

color

white

mp

483  °C ((901 °F ))

solubility

water: 1.5, clear, colorless

absorption

≤0.05 at 375 nm in H2O at 10%

suitability

suitable for additive or modifier in the separation of proteins or peptides

application(s)

advanced drug delivery
agriculture
sample preparation

storage temp.

room temp

InChI

1S/C18H32O16/c19-1-5(21)9(23)10(24)6(22)3-31-17-16(30)14(28)12(26)8(34-17)4-32-18-15(29)13(27)11(25)7(2-20)33-18/h1,5-18,20-30H,2-4H2

InChI key

FZWBNHMXJMCXLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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General description

Dextrans belong to the category of polysaccharides primarily consisting of glucose units, specifically D-glucose units connected by alpha-(1-6) linkages. Their high molecular weight and specific structure depend on the microbial strain responsible for their production. These homopolysaccharides are produced through the action of extracellular dextransucrase enzymes, commonly found in lactic acid bacteria genera such as Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Weissella, and Pediococcus. Dextrans find applications in various fields, including biochemical, cell biology, drug delivery research, and gel electrophoresis, owing to their versatile properties.

Application

Dextran from Leuconostoc spp. has been used:
  • to mix with embryo suspension in seawater to prepare the sample for cryo-imaging
  • to immerse the tails of zebrafish larvae for cryoimmobilization
  • in the synthesis of vinyl sulfone modified dextran (DX-VS)
  • in the synthesis of methacrylate functionalized dextran via ester linkage (DX-O-MeA)
  • as a supplement in NCTC-135 tissue culture medium to prepare the perfusion medium

Dextran is a branched glucan composed of linear α(1→6) linked glucose units and α (1→3) link initiated branches. Dextran ranges in size from 10,000 to 150,000 Kd. Dextrans are used in many applications as volume extenders, stabilizers, matrix components, binding platforms, lubricants, and physical structure components.
Dextran 40 is used in the development of new improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. Dextran 40 may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers. Dextran 40 is used as a colloidal plasma volume extender.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Osmotic Balance: Dextran helps maintain osmotic balance by increasing the solute concentration in a solution. This prevents excessive water movement across cell membranes, thus maintaining cell integrity and function.
-Cryoprotection: Dextran acts as a cryoprotectant by forming a protective barrier around cells and tissues during freezing. This barrier inhibits the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cell membranes and structures.
-Viscosity Control: Dextran can alter the viscosity of solutions by increasing the molecular weight of the solution. This change in viscosity affects the flow properties of the solution, making it useful for controlling the thickness of solutions in various processes.
-Drug Delivery: Modified dextran serves as a carrier for controlled drug delivery. Dextran can encapsulate drugs and release them gradually, enhancing drug solubility and controlling the release profiles to improve therapeutic outcomes.
-Gel Electrophoresis: Dextran increases the density of sample loading solutions in gel electrophoresis. This increased density helps samples sink into the gel matrix, allowing for more precise separation of molecules based on size and charge during electrophoresis.
-Enzyme Stabilization: Dextran stabilizes enzymes by providing a protective environment. It forms a stable matrix around enzymes, enhancing their activity and extending their lifespan in various biochemical reactions. This protection prevents enzyme denaturation and inactivation, allowing enzymes to function more effectively.

Features and Benefits

  • Dextran with an average molecular weight of 40,000
  • Freely soluble in Water, DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol, and glycerol
  • Versatile and adaptable for various laboratory and research applications

Other Notes

For additional information on our range of Biochemicals, please complete this form.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of our extensive range of Dextrans for your research, we encourage you to visit our Carbohydrates Category page.

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 2

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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