Merck, 31389-100G, Dextran from Leuconostoc spp.

Dextrans belong to the category of polysaccharides primarily consisting of glucose units, specifically D-glucose units connected by alpha-(1-6) linkages. Their high molecular weight and specific structure depend on the microbial strain responsible for their production. These homopolysaccharides are produced through the action of extracellular dextransucrase enzymes, commonly found in lactic acid bacteria genera such as Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Weissella, and Pediococcus. Dextrans find applications in various fields, including biochemical, cell biology, drug delivery research, and gel electrophoresis, owing to their versatile properties.