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Key Documents

D1662

Sigma-Aldrich

Dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides

average mol wt 35,000-45,000

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.79

biological source

bacterial (Leuconostoc mesenteroides)

form

powder

optical activity

[α]/D 199°

mol wt

average mol wt 35,000-45,000

technique(s)

cell based assay: suitable
cryopreservation: suitable

color

white

solubility

H2O: 100 mg/mL, clear, colorless

application(s)

advanced drug delivery
cell analysis (
)
life science and biopharma
solubility enhancement

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 are a class of polysaccharides primarily composed of glucose units, specifically, D-glucose units connected by alpha-(1-6) linkages. A Dextran is characterized by its high molecular weight, and its specific structure can vary depending on the microbial strain responsible for its production. These homopolysaccharides are created through the action of extracellular dextransucrase enzymes, typically found in lactic acid bacteria genera like Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Weissella, and Pediococcus. Due to their versatile properties, they′re used in biochemical, cell culture, drug delivery research and gel electrophoresis applications.

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. Dextrans 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. Dextran 40 may be derivatized for use as a cell permeation reagent. Further, dextrans can also be used for vector biology and disease control research, for cryopreservation, and also as an enhancer for controlled drug delivery studies
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 in 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 35,000-45,000.
  • Freely soluble in Water, DMSO, formamide, ethylene glycol, and glycerol
  • Versatile and adaptable for various laboratory and research applications.

Linkage

Similar to D4133, but from another supplier.

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

11 - Combustible Solids

wgk_germany

WGK 2

flash_point_f

Not applicable

flash_point_c

Not applicable

ppe

Eyeshields, Gloves, type N95 (US)


Certificates of Analysis (COA)

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David Latrasse et al.
Genome biology, 18(1), 131-131 (2017-07-08)
Microbial-associated molecular patterns activate several MAP kinases, which are major regulators of the innate immune response in Arabidopsis thaliana that induce large-scale changes in gene expression. Here, we determine whether microbial-associated molecular pattern-triggered gene expression involves modifications at the chromatin
Rong Cao et al.
Talanta, 165, 357-363 (2017-02-06)
Paper with immobilized protein can provide a low-cost platform for diagnostics, but evidence is emerging that the instability of protein on paper during shipping and storage severely limits its commercial development. Of these, paper-immobilized antibody, though widely used, is in
Cryopreservation studies with porcine corneas
M C Wusteman
Current Eye Research, 19, 228-233 (1999)

Protocols

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.

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