Dextran from Leuconostoc spp.

Dextrans belong to the category of polysaccharides primarily consisting of glucose units, specifically D-glucose units connected by alpha-(1-6) linkages. Their high molecular weight and specific structure depend on the microbial strain responsible for their production. These homopolysaccharides are produced through the action of extracellular dextransucrase enzymes, commonly found in lactic acid bacteria genera such as Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Weissella, and Pediococcus. Dextrans find applications in various fields, including biochemical, cell biology, drug delivery research, and gel electrophoresis, owing to their versatile properties.

Dextran from Leuconostoc spp. has been used:

• to mix with embryo suspension in seawater to prepare the sample for cryo-imaging
• to immerse the tails of zebrafish larvae for cryoimmobilization
• in the synthesis of vinyl sulfone modified dextran (DX-VS)
• in the synthesis of methacrylate functionalized dextran via ester linkage (DX-O-MeA)
• as a supplement in NCTC-135 tissue culture medium to prepare the perfusion medium

Dextran is a branched glucan composed of linear α(1→6) linked glucose units and α (1→3) link initiated branches. Dextran ranges in size from 10,000 to 150,000 Kd. Dextrans are used in many applications as volume extenders, stabilizers, matrix components, binding platforms, lubricants, and physical structure components.
Dextran 40 is used in the development of new improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. Dextran 40 may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers. Dextran 40 is used as a colloidal plasma volume extender.

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.

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To gain a comprehensive understanding of our extensive range of Dextrans for your research, we encourage you to visit our Carbohydrates Category page.