What Is Chitosan?

Chitosan (KY-tuh-sin) is a biopolymer derived from the chitin (KY-tin) found in the exoskeletons of shrimp and other crustaceans. Incredibly tough yet remarkably pliable, chitin is naturally woven together into nanofiber bundles and layered to create a durable protective shell—similar to the stacked arrangement of wood fibers in plywood sheets.

WHAT CAN CHITOSAN DO?

Hemostats: Topical and Trauma

As the only cationic (+ positively charged) molecule in nature, chitosan interacts with the negative (-) charged membranes to initiate agglutination of the red blood cells and platelets that in turn activates the clotting pathway leading to thrombus and clots formation.

Bioscaffolds

Chitosan can be used in various forms (sponges, fibers, films, etc.) to create an implantable scaffold to encourage natural cell growth, used for the repair of tissue or the regeneration of bone and cartilage.

Nanoparticles

Chitosan can be used to create custom polymeric nanoparticles that enable time-released drug delivery carrier via various routes of administration, including non-parenteral (i.e. not digested) applications.

Excipients

Chitosan can be used as a drug excipient (i.e. an inactive drug-delivery medium) with greater biocompatibility and transmucosal absorption than traditional rapid-release excipient substances.

Bioplastics

Chitosan can be used to create a biodegradable plastic that can be molded, extruded or printed with high tensile strength—while also being able to fully decompose after only a few weeks.

Microfilms

Chitosan can be used to create biodegradable films that are naturally resistant to mold and other microbes, helping to potentially extend the shelf life of all kinds of perishable goods.

Flocculents

Chitosan can be used to create a highly effective flocculant (a solution that separates unwanted substances from a liquid) and has been shown to remove heavy metals like chromium and nickel from drinking water.

CHITOSAN PROPERTIES

Biocompatible

interacts with human tissue without eliciting adverse effects

Biodegradable

breaks down quickly when exposed to common enzymes

Antimicrobial

naturally resistant to bacteria, viruses and fungi

Mucoadhesive

sticks easily to mucosa linings of the mouth, lungs, intestines, etc.

Nontoxic

generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA

Antioxidant

mediates the interruption of oxidative stress on cells

Broadly speaking, chitosan is derived by removing acetyl groups from a chitin molecule. A chitosan product's degree of deacetylation (DDA) refers to the total percentage of acetyl groups which have been removed during formulation (usually between 70% and 95%). DDA is the most common differentiator between chitosan products, and trū Chitosan is capable of creating formulations across the full deacetylation spectrum according to your needs.