⟡ Chitosan Polymers / Biopolymers / Research Materials
Chitosan, Purified Powder (MW ~15,000)
Chitosan powder (MW ~15,000) is a purified low molecular weight polysaccharide derived from chitin through partial deacetylation. This versatile biopolymer is widely used in biomedical research, drug delivery systems, water treatment, coatings, tissue engineering, and biomaterials development due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, film-forming ability, and polycationic functionality.
This low molecular weight chitosan exhibits excellent solubility in acidic aqueous systems (typically pH 4–6), strong mucoadhesive behavior, and useful antimicrobial properties. The lower molecular weight profile may improve solution handling, diffusion behavior, and nanoparticle formation compared to higher molecular weight grades.
Key Features & Benefits
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Low molecular weight chitosan (~15,000 MW): supports solution preparation, coatings, and nanoparticle research
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Purified chitosan powder: suitable for research and formulation applications
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Biodegradable biopolymer: naturally broken down by biological processes
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Biocompatible material: widely studied for biomedical and tissue engineering applications
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Cationic polymer functionality: enables interaction with negatively charged molecules and surfaces
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Water-soluble under acidic conditions: dissolves at approximately pH 4–6
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Film-forming and mucoadhesive properties: useful in coatings and delivery systems
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Antimicrobial characteristics: commonly investigated for preservation and biomedical systems
Product Details
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Product name: Chitosan, Purified Powder
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Molecular weight: ~15,000
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CAS number: 9012-76-4
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Polymer type: Natural cationic polysaccharide
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Source material: Derived from chitin
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Solubility: Soluble in acidic aqueous systems (pH 4–6)
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Form: Purified powder
Applications of Chitosan Powder
Biomedical research & tissue engineering
Chitosan is widely used in biomaterials research for wound healing scaffolds, tissue engineering matrices, hydrogels, and biodegradable films due to its biocompatibility and biofunctional characteristics.
Drug delivery & nanoparticle systems
Low molecular weight chitosan is commonly investigated for controlled release systems, nanoparticle preparation, mucoadhesive formulations, and enhanced bioavailability applications.
Water purification & environmental treatment
Chitosan polymers can bind heavy metals, dyes, and suspended contaminants, supporting water treatment and environmental remediation research.
Food preservation & antimicrobial coatings
Chitosan films and coatings are used in food packaging and preservation systems because of their natural antimicrobial and film-forming properties.
Agricultural & plant science research
Chitosan is studied in agricultural applications involving seed coatings, biostimulants, plant defense responses, and nutrient delivery systems.
Why Low Molecular Weight Chitosan?
Low molecular weight chitosan typically exhibits lower viscosity, improved handling characteristics, and enhanced diffusivity compared to higher molecular weight grades. These properties may improve processing performance in coatings, nanoparticle formation, hydrogel systems, and aqueous formulations.
The ~15,000 molecular weight range is frequently selected for research applications requiring improved solubility behavior, controlled viscosity, and fine material dispersion.
Chitosan Solubility
Chitosan is generally insoluble in neutral or alkaline water but becomes soluble in mildly acidic aqueous environments where amino groups become protonated. Typical dissolution systems include dilute acetic acid and aqueous acidic buffers within approximately pH 4–6.
Why Choose Polysciences?
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Referenced in Biomedical & Polymer Research
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FAQ
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What is chitosan powder used for?
Chitosan powder is commonly used in biomedical research, drug delivery systems, water treatment, coatings, tissue engineering, agriculture, and food preservation applications.
What is low molecular weight chitosan?
Low molecular weight chitosan generally exhibits lower viscosity and improved solution behavior compared to higher molecular weight grades, making it useful for nanoparticles, coatings, and delivery systems.
Is chitosan soluble in water?
Chitosan is typically soluble in mildly acidic aqueous solutions around pH 4–6 but insoluble in neutral and alkaline water.
What is the CAS number for chitosan?
The CAS number for chitosan is 9012-76-4.
Where can I buy purified chitosan powder?
Polysciences supplies purified low molecular weight chitosan powder for research, formulation, and technical applications.
Is chitosan biodegradable?
Yes. Chitosan is a biodegradable polysaccharide derived from chitin and is widely studied as a sustainable biomaterial.
