dextran

[ dek-struhn ]

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.

dextran

/ ˈdɛkstrən /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextran¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextran¹

C19: from dextro- + -an

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

To encourage recovery, it may help to give infected beef and dairy animals Vitamin B, intramuscular iron dextran, intravaneous fluids and blood transfusions, Vest wrote.

From Washington Times

The researchers say various polymer combinations could work; they used a polyethylene oxide matrix and an ink made of a long carbohydrate molecule called dextran.

From Science Magazine

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

From Nature

Consistent with this idea, IgA-coated bacteria that are isolated from people with inflammatory bowel disease promote dramatically exacerbated development of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium7.

From Nature