Help! How to remove dextran coated layer? - (Dec/09/2013 )

Dear all, 

I am looking for a method to remove the dextran coated layer in order to release out the cells. Did anyone have any idea on it? 

Thanks. 

Enzymatic removal? --> Dextranase

How about other method? Such as heating or using acid?

You can check these:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bip.1964.360020106/abstract

But be aware that acid digestion is not specific and may destroy what you want to recover.

I am just thinking what if I boil the sample in hot water, do you think maltodextrin will be broken down into small unit? 

Well, dextran is very heat-stable... what's the final purpouse of all this? YOu said to release cells but, do you want to use them for something afterwards?

Because the bacterial cells are being capsulated by maltodextrin, thus I am planning to look for a protocol to degrade down the maltodextrin in order to release out all the bacterial cells. 

Yes, I got that but, what do you want to use the cells for after that? Culturing, DNA extraction...?

Nope. I am planning to do for total cell count.