dextran

American  

[dek-struhn] / ˈdɛk strən /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a viscous polysaccharide, composed of dextrose, produced by bacterial action on sucrose: used in confections and lacquers and in medicine chiefly as an extender for blood plasma.

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dextran British  

/ ˈdɛkstrən /

noun

1. biochem a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions

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Etymology

Origin of dextran

First recorded in 1875–80; dextr(ose) + an(hydride) ( def. )

Example Sentences

The second component of the gel is oxidized dextran, a polysaccharide that can form strong but reversible bonds with the amine groups of the pluronic micelles.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2024

Different effects of three selected Lactobacillus strains in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in BALB/c mice.

From Nature • Nov. 14, 2017

The dextran molecules are too large to leak out readily through capillary walls, and at the same time they attract water, hold it in the blood.

From Time Magazine Archive

Injected into a man's veins, purified dextran has plasma's ability to combat shock by maintaining the volume of blood in the veins.

From Time Magazine Archive

Part V.—The different fermentations that occur in the sugar factory including lactic, butyric, alcoholic and dextran are discussed.

From The Philippine Agricultural Review Vol. VIII, First Quarter, 1915 No. 1 by Various