Structure
Dextran is a polysaccharide derived from the bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides B512F; and consists of an α-D-(1 – 6) linear glucan with a low content (ca. 5%) of side chains linked to 3-carbon of glucose. The dextran is then labelled with Cibacron blue F3GA.
Storage and stability
Blue dextran is stable for more than 6 years when stored dry in well-sealed containers at ambient temperature.
Solubility
Blue dextran dissolves freely in water.
Applications
Blue dextran has long been used as a void volume marker in chromatography. Blue dextran can also be used as a molecular marker. Read more about application here.
