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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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