Dextran 500, MW 450-550k CAS 9004-54-0

Dextran is α-(1,6)-linked α-D-glucan with α-(1,3)-linked glucose branch points produced by fermentation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides via the action of the enzyme dextransucrase on sucrose.  The main use for native Dextran is as an extender in blood transfusions and products having a range of sharp cutoff molecular weights are produced commercially for this and other applications.  A complex of Iron with Dextran known as Iron Dextran is used as a source of iron for baby piglets which are often anaemic at birth.