Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

Dextrans are used in many applications as platelet aggregants, plasma volume extenders, osmotic pressure regulators, stabilizers, organ separation media, matrix components, copolymers, microcarriers, binding agents, viscosity modifiers, antithrombotics, lubricants and physical structure components. They may be used as long hydrophilic spacer arms to improve the performance (freedom of movement) of conjugated/bound proteins. Dextrans may be derivatized for use in biosensor systems.Dextrans of less than 60,000Da are generally considered low molecular weight dextrans. Low molecular weight dextrans are often preferred versus high molecular weight dextrans due to their viscosities, aggregation and permeation properties. High molecular weight, water-soluble, dextran polymers have been used in a wide variety of biomedical applications. Dextran (48,000-90,000) may be used to induce blood aggregation and as a viscosity plasma expander (HVPE).

Use of dextrans as long and hydrophilic spacer arms improves the performance of immobilized proteins acting on macromolecules.