Dextran is a neutral and water soluble polymer of anhydroglucose. Dextrans have a linear backbone of a-alpha d-glucopyranosyl repeating molecules. It is made of 95% alpha-D–(1-6) linkages, while the remaining a(1-3) linkages compose the branching structures of dextran. The pyranose ring structure is composed of five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. Dextrans have molecular weights ranging from 1,000 to 40,000,000 Daltons. It is easily filtered and is biodegradable. Additionally, dextran is biocompatible (nontoxic) and remains stable for more than 5 years.