Wiktionary
n. (context chemistry English) a biopolymer of glucose produced by enzymes of certain bacteria; used as a substitute for blood plasma, and as a stationary phase in chromatography
Wikipedia
Dextran 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 medicinally as an antithrombotic (anti platelet), to reduce blood viscosity, and as a volume expander in hypovolaemia.
The straight chain consists of α-1,6 glycosidic linkages between glucose molecules, while branches begin from α-1,3 linkages. Dextran is synthesized from sucrose by certain lactic acid bacteria, the best-known being Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Streptococcus mutans. Dental plaque is rich in dextrans.
Dextran was first discovered by Louis Pasteur as a microbial product in wine. Dextran 70 is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.
Usage examples of "dextran".
Bolger and Miss Ryan had a codeine at a quarter to five, and Miss Freitz in four-eleven had a heparin and dextran about an hour later.
Simple chamber recompression with doses of dextran and heparin would have prevented the embolism, but all ignored my weak entreaties on the boat.