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D5376

Sigma-Aldrich

Dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides

average mol wt 1,500,000-2,800,000

Synonym(s):

6-O-(6-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-D-glucose, Manninotriose

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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

bacterial (Leuconostoc mesenteroides)

form

powder

optical activity

[α]/D 199°

mol wt

average mol wt 1,500,000-2,800,000

technique(s)

gel permeation chromatography (GPC): suitable

color

white

application(s)

advanced drug delivery
agriculture
life science and biopharma
microbiology

storage temp.

2-8°C

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, a class of polysaccharides primarily composed of glucose units linked by alpha-(1-6) bonds, exhibit versatile properties. These water-soluble, high molecular-weight dextran polymers find extensive use in various biomedical applications. The specific structure of dextran can vary, depending on the microbial strain responsible for its production. Due to their unique attributes, dextrans play crucial roles in biochemical, cell culture, drug delivery studies, and biomedical research.

Application

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. They 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.
Dextrans of less than 60,000Da are generally considered low molecular weight dextrans. Low molecular weight dextrans are often preferred versus high molecular weight dextrans due to their viscosities, aggregation and permeation properties. High molecular weight, water-soluble, dextran polymers have been used in a wide variety of biomedical applications. Dextran (1500-2800), a high molecular weight dextran, may be used to induce blood aggregation and as a high viscosity plasma expander (HVPE).
Use of dextrans as long and hydrophilic spacer arms improves the performance of immobilized proteins acting on macromolecules.

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 range of 1,500,000-2,800,000
  • Freely soluble in Water, DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol, and glycerol
  • Versatile and adaptable for a wide variety of laboratory and research applications

Preparation Note

With the exception of the highest MW dextran, D5501 (MW range = 5 million to 40 million), dextrans are very water soluble. Sigma tests the solubility of dextrans at concentrations generally exceeding 30 mg/ml in water. Dextrans are also freely soluble in DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. Neutral-aqueous dextran solutions can be sterilized by autoclaving at 110-115oC for 30 to 45 minutes. Dextran can be hydrolyzed by strong acids at high temperatures. The terminal reducing end group of dextran can be oxidized in alkaline solutions.

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

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

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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Protocols

Dextran polymer details: composed mainly of alpha-D-(1-6) linkages with varied branch lengths.

Dextran polymer details: composed mainly of alpha-D-(1-6) linkages with varied branch lengths.

Dextran polymer details: composed mainly of alpha-D-(1-6) linkages with varied branch lengths.

Dextran polymer details: composed mainly of alpha-D-(1-6) linkages with varied branch lengths.

Related Content

Dextrans are polysaccharides with molecular weights ≥1,000 Dalton, featuring a linear backbone of α-linked d-glucopyranosyl repeating units.

Dextrans are polysaccharides with molecular weights ≥1,000 Dalton, featuring a linear backbone of α-linked d-glucopyranosyl repeating units.

Dextrans are polysaccharides with molecular weights ≥1,000 Dalton, featuring a linear backbone of α-linked d-glucopyranosyl repeating units.

Dextrans are polysaccharides with molecular weights ≥1,000 Dalton, featuring a linear backbone of α-linked d-glucopyranosyl repeating units.

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