Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit) . It is made by treating chitin, which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi, with an alkaline substance. The degree of deacetylation (%DD) can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, and the DD percentage in commercial chitosans ranges from 60 to 100% . On average, the molecular weight of commercially produced chitosan is 3800–20,000 daltons.
Chitosan has a strong positive charge due to its amine groups, making it suitable for binding to negatively charged molecules. It is used as a natural preservative for fresh products due to its antimicrobial properties. Chitosan is also used as a dietary supplement and in drug manufacturing. It might reduce how much fat and cholesterol the body absorbs from foods and helps blood clot when applied to wounds. People use chitosan for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Positive aspects of chitosan:
- Natural preservative for fresh products due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Helps blood clot when applied to wounds.
- Might reduce how much fat and cholesterol the body absorbs from foods.
Negative aspects of chitosan:
- Low mechanical strength and low-temperature response rate.
- Must be combined with other gelling agents to improve its properties.
- Might cause stomach upset, constipation, or gas when taken by mouth.
Ingredients or materials:
- Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit) .
- It is made by treating chitin, which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi, with an alkaline substance.
- The degree of deacetylation (%DD) can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, and the DD percentage in commercial chitosans ranges from 60 to 100% .
- On average, the molecular weight of commercially produced chitosan is 3800–20,000 daltons.
