Chitosan
| Chemical name: |
(1,4)-2-Amino-2-desoxy- beta-D-glucan |
| Empirical formula: |
(C6H11NO4)n |
| CAS | 9012-76-4 |
Chitosan differs from chitin in that it has free amino groups (figure 1) and is obtained by deacetylizing chitin. At a minimum deacetylization level of 70% (=amount of free amino groups in the polymer) it is considered to be chitosan. The monomer of chitosan is D-amino glucose.
Manufacturing process
During the deacetylization process, chitin undergoes a treatment with lye to divide the acetyl groups from the polymer, resulting in chitosan. This has a variation of properties depending on the degree of deacetylization and chain length.
Solubility
- soluble in nearly all diluted acids
- insoluble in sulfuric acid and water
- not thermo-elastic, decomposes at 280° C
- pKa 6.3
Properties of cationic polymer chitosan include:
- high charge carrier density
- biodegradable, non-toxic
- bacteriostatic, fungistatic
- film and fiber forming, cross-linking
- immobilization of living organisms
- anti-inflammatory, heals wounds
- stimulation of immune system and metabolism
- deodorizing
- bonding ability to proteins, heavy metals and aerosols
Biodegradability:
Biodegradable through naturally occurring enzymes
