Dextran is a complex, branched glucan ( polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules) composed of chains of varying lengths (from 10 to 150 kilodaltons ). It is used medicinally as an antithrombotic (anti- platelet ), and to reduce blood viscosity . more

Dextran is a complex, branched glucan ( polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules) composed of chains of varying lengths (from 10 to 150 kilodaltons ). It is used medicinally as an antithrombotic (anti- platelet ), and to reduce blood viscosity .

The straight chain consists of ?-1,6 glycosidic linkages between glucose molecules, while branches begin from ?-1,4 linkages (and in some cases, ?-1,2 and ?-1,3 linkages as well). (For information on the numbering of carbon atoms in glucose, see the glucose article.) 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 is also formed by the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus brevis to create the crystals of tibicos , or water kefir fermented beverage which supposedly has some health benefits. less