Dextran : Chemical Structure, Applications & Potential Side Effects

Dextran and dextran derivatives are widely used in solution to provide structure and function, e.g., colloidal stability, delivery of actives, viscoelasticity, to a variety of products. Underlying these functions are inter- and intra-molecular interactions that depend on the molecular characteristics of dextran (molecular weight, architecture, chemical modifications) and the type of solvent used (typically water, but may include salts, solutes and/or organic solvents). Topics discussed in this compilation include dextran solution properties; dextran based nanoparticles for sustained drug delivery; gelation properties of whey protein and dextran conjugates obtained through maillard reaction; dextran based hydrogel and tissue adhesive agent and tissue engineering scaffold; application of DEAE-dextran to an efficient gene transfer system; conjugated dextran amines as intracellular tracers for visualising and manipulating neurons; and effects of dextrans in the sugar industry.