Merck, D1662-500G, Dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides

Dextrans are a class of polysaccharides primarily composed of glucose units, specifically, D-glucose units connected by alpha-(1-6) linkages. A Dextran is characterized by its high molecular weight, and its specific structure can vary depending on the microbial strain responsible for its production. These homopolysaccharides are created through the action of extracellular dextransucrase enzymes, typically found in lactic acid bacteria genera like Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Weissella, and Pediococcus. Due to their versatile properties, they′re used in biochemical, cell culture, drug delivery research and gel electrophoresis applications.