Biodegradability of Dextran

Enzymes (dextranases) from molds such as Penicillium and Verticillium have been shown to degrade Dextran (1). The products are essentially low molecular weight sugars, for example glucose, isomaltose etc.

Similarly many bacteria produce extracellular dextranases that split Dextran into low molecular weight sugars (2). Examples of these are Lactobacillus, Cellvibrio, Cytophaga, and soil Bacillus spp. Dextran is therefore biodegradable and the Dextran by-products are readily absorbed into the natural environment.

  1. Tsuchiya, H.M., et. al, J Bacteriol, 64, 513-519 (1952)
  2. Zevenhuizen, L.P.T.M., Carbohydr Res, 6, 310-318 (1968)