Dextran refers to a homopolysaccharide composed of glucose as a monosaccharide. The difference in the length of the dextran chain determines its different medicinal value. Long-chain dextran is usually a blood volume expansion drug with a molecular weight of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands; while short-chain dextran can be complexed with ferric hydroxide , made of iron dextran, that is, iron dextran.
What is Dextran?
Dextran is a high-molecular glucose polymer synthesized from sucrose catalyzed by dextran sucrase (dextransucrase EC2.4.1.5) produced by Leuconostocmesenteroides. The polymer contains 95% of α‑1,6 glycosidic bonds , while containing a small amount of branched structures of other glycosidic bonds. Because of its many advantages such as safety and non-toxicity, it has been widely used in many fields such as medicine, food and industry. Polymer dextran can be used as a drug carrier and a commonly used gel chromatography filler. Dextran commonly used clinically has three specifications: Dextran 70, Dextran 40 and Dextran 20, which are mainly used as plasma substitutes for hemorrhagic shock, traumatic shock and burn shock, etc. Dextran with a weight average molecular weight of 6‑8kDa is often made into iron dextran for the treatment of severe anemia. Dextran with a weight average molecular weight of 5kDa is often sulfated for the treatment of thrombus. Low molecular weight isomaltose has recently been found to be useful as a prebiotic. As a polysaccharide with rich sources, dextran is an excellent ingredient in the food industry, mainly used as a humectant, stabilizer, extender and thickener. In industry, dextran is used as an additive for oil well drilling mud.
Dextran Uses
Dextran 70 is included in the that common list of necessary medications, which is the most crucial medication needed by the health system.
In medication, it is utilized as an antithrombotic representative (antiplatelet) to reduce blood thickness and as a volume expander in hypovolemia.