Chitosan

A polysaccharide derived from Chitin, which is the second-most abundant polysaccharide in the world, Chitosan is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimps. The presence of amino groups in the Chitosan structure might be protonated, which eventually results into rendering solubility in diluted acidic aqueous solutions. Chitosan has been reckoned as a non-toxic and biologically compatible polymer.

Chitosan is a single material with multiple applications, right from agriculture, food industry, water treatment, biomedical, bioplastic, antioxidants, which makes it one of the most preferred polymers worldwide.

KEY PROPERTIES

Deacetylation

The degree of deacetylation of Chitosan is 90%. The higher the degree of deacetylation, the more active the molecule is.

Viscosity

As a standard, dynamic viscosity is measured as 1% solution in 1% acetic acid. Chitosan is dissolved by stirring for a minimum two hours, which lends it such dynamic viscosity, which also gives an indication of the molecular weight.

Solubility

Chitosan is soluble in almost every kind of diluted acid. It is insoluble in sulfuric acid and water.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

• Biodegradable
• Non toxic
• Bacteriostatic
• Fungistatic
• Immobilisation of living organisms
• Anti-inflammatory which improves wound healing
• Bonding ability to proteins, heavy metals and aerosols