In vitro analysis of dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1426 for functional food application

• High thermal stability of dextran with a degradation temperature of ~290 °C.
• Dextran exhibited in vitro prebiotic activity.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assay reveals biocompatibility nature of dextran.

The present study describes physico-chemical properties, prebiotic potential and biocompatibility of dextran produced from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1426. Dextran displayed porous surface, pseudoplastic non-Newtonian behavior, 32% solubility, 290% water holding capacity and a degradation temperature of 290 °C. The dextran exhibited significantly higher non digestibility as compared with the standard prebiotic, inulin in simulated human gastric juice and α-amylase. The dextran significantly stimulated the growth of probiotics, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and was comparable to that by inulin. The viability of human embryonic kidney (HEK 293), human cervical adenocarcinoma (INT-407) and human colon carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines by dextran treatment (50–1000 µg/ml) remained unaffected displaying the biocompatibility of the dextran. Therefore, the dextran from L. mesenteroides NRRL B-1426 can act as potential prebiotic, gelling agent and be used as food supplement for health benefits.

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