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Dextran is a
complex branched glucan (polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules)
composed of chains of varying lengths (from 3 to 2000 kilodaltons). It is used
medicinally as an antithrombotic (antiplatelet), to reduce blood viscosity, and
as a volume expander in hypovolaemia.
The straight chain consists of a-1,6 glycosidic
linkages between glucose molecules, while branches begin from a-1,3 linkages.
Dextran is synthesized from sucrose by certain lactic acid bacteria, the
best-known being Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Streptococcus mutans. Dental
plaque is rich in dextrans.
