Dextran, M.W. ~ 40,000

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.

Dextran solutions have been used as plasma extenders. Colloidal solutions containing dextran MW 250,000 have been used to isolate aggregated platelets leukocytes and lymphocytes in blood by centrifugation. 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 sulphate sodium treated rats. Dextran (MW ~400,000 to 500,000) can be used as long and hydrophilic spacer arms to improve the performance of immobilised proteins acting on macromolecules. It is used in the development of new improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. It may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers.

Dextran solutions have been used as plasma extenders. Colloidal solutions containing dextran MW 250,000 have been used to isolate aggregated platelets leukocytes and lymphocytes in blood by centrifugation. 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 sulphate sodium treated rats. Dextran (MW ~400,000 to 500,000) can be used as long and hydrophilic spacer arms to improve the performance of immobilised proteins acting on macromolecules. It is used in the development of new improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. It may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers.

Soluble in water (> 30 mg/ml), freely soluble in DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol and glycerol. Neutral aqueous dextran solutions can be sterilised by autoclaving at 110 to 115 °C for 30 to 45 minutes.