Description

• 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.[1]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).[2]
• 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 1,500,000-2,800,000Freely soluble in Water, DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol, and glycerolVersatile 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.
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