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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Dextrose Dextrin and Dextran?

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Dextrose, dextrin, and dextran are all types of carbohydrates with different structures and properties:

  • Dextrose:
  • A simple sugar, specifically D-glucose, which is a monosaccharide.
  • Found in various plant and animal sources, with corn being a common one.
  • Used as a sweetener and in the production of ethanol.
  • Dextrin:
  • A carbohydrate produced by the hydrolysis of starch.
  • A shorter-chain carbohydrate derived from starch.
  • Used as a thickening agent in food processing and as a crispness enhancer in food products.
  • Dextran:
  • A complex branched glucan (polysaccharide) derived from the condensation of glucose.
  • Originally derived from wine, but now produced through bacterial fermentation.
  • Used as a blood plasma volume expander, drug carrier, and in tissue engineering.

In summary, dextrose is a simple sugar, dextrin is a shorter-chain carbohydrate derived from starch, and dextran is a complex polysaccharide with a branched structure.

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  • What is the Difference Between Dextrose Dextrin and Dextran?
  • Comparative Table: Dextrose Dextrin vs Dextran

    • Comparative Table: Dextrose Dextrin vs Dextran

    Here is a table comparing the differences between dextrose, dextrin, and dextran:

    Property Dextrose Dextrin Dextran
    Description Dextrose is a simple sugar, specifically D-glucose, a monosaccharide with the chemical formula C6H12O6. Dextrin is a polysaccharide produced from the hydrolysis of starch. Dextran is a biopolymer of glucose produced from certain bacterial enzymes.
    Structure Dextrose is the monomeric unit of glucose. Dextrin is a branched or linear polymer of glucose molecules. Dextran is a complex polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules with branching points.
    Source Dextrose occurs naturally in various plant and animal sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and honey. Dextrin is derived from starch. Dextran is produced by bacterial fermentation.
    Uses Dextrose is used as a sweetener and an energy source in various food and pharmaceutical applications. Dextrin is used in the food industry as a thickening agent and in cosmetics. Dextran is used as a blood plasma volume expander and can serve as a drug carrier or be employed in tissue engineering.

    In summary, dextrose is a simple sugar, dextrin is a shorter-chain carbohydrate derived from starch, and dextran is a complex polysaccharide with a more intricate structure produced by bacterial fermentation.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.