Dextran 3, MW 2.5-4k CAS 9004-54-0

Dextran is α-(1,6)-linked α-D-glucan produced by fermentation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides via the action of the enzyme dextransucrase on sucrose.

The main use for native Dextran is as a blood plasma extender in blood transfusions. A complex of Iron with Dextran known as Iron Dextran is used as a source of iron to baby piglets which are often anaemic at birth.