Dextran is a specialty chemical widely used in medical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, solubility, and non-toxicity. In medicine, it serves as a plasma volume expander to treat hypovolemia and shock caused by surgery, trauma, or severe burns, helping maintain blood pressure and circulation by increasing blood volume. In biotechnology, dextran is utilized as a stabilizer and carrier for proteins, enzymes, and other sensitive molecules. It is also employed in chromatography (e.g., Sephadex gels) as a medium for separating and purifying biomolecules. Additionally, dextran is used in drug delivery systems to enhance the stability and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. Its ability to form gels makes it valuable in tissue engineering, wound healing, and as coatings for medical devices to prevent thrombosis and blood clots. In cosmetics, it acts as a moisturizer, thickener, and film-former to improve skin hydration. In research, dextran is often used as a marker or tracer (e.g., fluorescently labeled) in studies involving fluid dynamics, cellular processes, and permeability.