Dextran
Dextran
Dextran (/ˈdɛkstrən/) is a complex branched glucan (polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules) composed of chains of varying lengths (from 3 to 2000 kilodaltons). It is used in various applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Etymology
The term "Dextran" is derived from the Greek word "Dexios", which means "right", and "Ran", a short form of "Random". This refers to the random coil conformation that Dextran adopts in solution.
Medical Uses
In the medical field, Dextran is used as an antithrombotic to reduce blood viscosity, and to improve blood flow. It is also used as a volume expander in hypovolaemia. In the pharmaceutical industry, Dextran is used as a hydrophilic carrier in drug delivery systems and as an ingredient in certain eye drops. In the food industry, it is used as a texturizer and stabilizer.
Related Terms
- Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate (e.g., starch, cellulose, or glycogen) whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
- Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
- Antithrombotic: A drug that helps prevent the formation of thrombus or clot.
- Hypovolaemia: A state of decreased blood volume; more specifically, decrease in volume of blood plasma.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dextran
- Wikipedia's article - Dextran
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