What is chitosan, and where does it come from?

Chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from chitin, which is found in sources such as crustacean shells and some fungal cell walls.

Is chitosan soluble in water?

Chitosan is generally not soluble in neutral water, but it is commonly soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions where amine groups become protonated. Solubility depends on factors like degree of deacetylation and molecular weight.

How does molecular weight affect chitosan solutions?

Lower molecular weight chitosan often yields lower-viscosity solutions at the same concentration compared with higher molecular weight grades, which can affect processing and film formation.

Is chitosan biodegradable?

Chitosan is considered biodegradable and can be broken down under appropriate biological or environmental conditions, including enzymatic pathways.

Chitosan, Purified Powder (MW ~15,000)

Product Number:

CAS #

CAS # Product #

21161

9012-76-4

Size

Price

$119.89

Quantity

Bulk Request

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Product Specifications

Spec-21161.pdf

Molecular Weight

~15,000

Synonyms

poly(D-glucosamine)

Viscosity

1% solution >90 cPs

Soluble In

dilute organic and inorganic acids.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

SDS_21161.pdf

Handling

Exercise normal care

Storage

Store at room temperature

Hazards

Hazard Code

A2g

Product Description

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, featuring biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. Chitosan has great potential in biomedical applications due to its excellent non-cytotoxicity profile, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-allergenicity, mucoadhesive property and ease of modification. It is soluble in water at low (4-6) pH and variety of acids, but insoluble at neutral and alkaline pH values.

Applications:
Biomedical & Wound Healing: Acts as a biodegradable dressing and tissue scaffold.
Drug Delivery & Controlled Release: Enhances bioavailability and targeted delivery.
Water Purification: Removes heavy metals and organic pollutants.
Food Preservation & Packaging: Provides natural antimicrobial protection.
Agricultural & Biostimulants: Improves plant growth and nutrient absorption.

FAQs

Common questions about Chitosan (purified powder, MW ~15,000).

What is chitosan, and where does it come from?

Chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from chitin, which is found in sources such as crustacean shells and some fungal cell walls.
Is chitosan soluble in water?

Chitosan is generally not soluble in neutral water, but it is commonly soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions where amine groups become protonated. Solubility depends on factors like degree of deacetylation and molecular weight.
How does molecular weight affect chitosan solutions?

Lower molecular weight chitosan often yields lower-viscosity solutions at the same concentration compared with higher molecular weight grades, which can affect processing and film formation.
Is chitosan biodegradable?

Chitosan is considered biodegradable and can be broken down under appropriate biological or environmental conditions, including enzymatic pathways.