Title: Dextran
CAS Registry Number: 9004-54-0
Trademarks: Gentran (Baxter); Hemodex (Alstoe); Intradex (Dextran Prod. Ltd.); Promit (Pharmacia)
Literature References: A term applied to polysaccharides produced by bacteria growing on a sucrose substrate, contg a backbone of D-glucose units linked predominantly a-D(1?6). Several organisms produce dextrans but only
Leuconostoc mesenteroides and
L. dextranicum (Lactobacteriaceae) have been used commercially. Chemical and physical properties of the dextrans vary with the methods of production. Native dextrans usually have high mol wt; lower mol wt clinical dextrans usually prepared by depolymerization of native dextrans or by synthesis. All dextrans are composed exclusively of a-D-glucopyranosyl units, differing only in degree of branching and chain length. Prepn: Tarr, Hibbert,
Can. J. Res. 5, 414 (1931); Novak, Stoycos,
US 2841578 (1958 to Commonwealth Eng. of Ohio). Enzymic synthesis: Sugg, Hehre,
J. Immunol. 43, 119 (1942); Behrens, Ringpfeil,
US 3044940 (1962 to Serum Werk Bernburg). The crude dextran may be isolated from the culture by precipitation with methanol. Continuous dialysis process: Shurter,
US 2717853 (1955 to C.S.C.). Elimination of pyrogens: Levi, Lozinski,
US 2762727 (1956 to Frosst). Method of producing clinical dextran: Novak, Witt,
US 2972567 (1961). Structure studies: Fowler
et al., Can. J. Res. B15, 486 (1937); Fairhead
et al., ibid. B16, 151 (1938); Peat
et al., J. Chem. Soc. 1939, 581; Goldstein, Whelan,
ibid. 1962, 170, 176. 13C-NMR structure study: F. R. Seymour
et al., Carbohydr. Res. 51, 179 (1976).
Reviews: Evans, Hibbert,
Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. 2, 204 (1946); Neely,
ibid. 15, 341 (1960); Ricketts,
Prog. Org. Chem. 5, 73 (1961); Murphy, Whistler, in
Industrial Gums, R. L. Whistler, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1973) pp 513-542.
Derivative Type: Dextran 40
Synonyms: LMD; LMWD; LVD
Trademarks: Gentran 40 (Baxter); Rheomacrodex (Medisan)
Literature References: Produced by action of
L. mesenteroides on sucrose; average mol wt: 40,000.
Derivative Type: Dextran 70
Trademarks: Gentran 70 (Baxter); Hyskon (Pharmacia); Macrodex (Pharmacia)
Literature References: Average mol wt: 70,000.
Use: In soft center confections, as a partial substitute for barley malt. Mixed ethers and esters of dextran can be used in lacquers.
Therap-Cat: Plasma volume expander; Dextran 40 also as blood flow adjuvant.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Plasma extender.
Keywords: Plasma Volume Expander.