葡聚糖来源于明串珠菌属，Dextran from Leuconostoc spp.；Mr ~40,000

葡聚糖是由线性α(1→6)连接的葡萄糖单元和α (1→3)连接的支链组成的支链葡聚糖。葡聚糖的分子量范围为10,000至150,000 Kd。 葡聚糖在多种应用中被用来作为体积扩增剂，稳定剂，基质组分，结合平台，润滑剂和物理结构组分。
Dextran 40被用来研发移植器官改良保存溶液。Dextran 40 可以用来确定细胞紧密度和细胞层之间的通量参数。Dextran 40可用作胶体血浆体积扩增剂。

 

Dextran, a branched glucan composed of linear α (1→6) linked glucose units and α (1→3) link-initiate branches are used in several applications as stabilizers, matrix components, binding platforms, lubricants, and physical structure components. Dextran 40 is used in the development of new improved preservation solutions for organ transplantation. It may be used to determine cell tightness and flux parameters across cell layers. Dextran 40 is also used as a colloidal plasma volume extender.