Chitosan

Chitosan (CAS 9012-76-4) is a natural polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin found in crustacean shells. Also known as Chitin N-deacetyl- and marketed as Kytex H.

Where is Chitosan used?

• Water treatment: natural coagulant-flocculant removing suspended solids, heavy metals and turbidity from municipal and industrial effluents, biodegradable alternative to synthetic polyacrylamides
• Food: preservative coating on fresh produce and seafood, inhibiting microbial growth
• Pharmaceutical: controlled-release tablet matrices and wound dressings
• Agriculture: seed treatment and foliar biostimulant activating plant defense responses
• It functions as a biopolymer flocculant, antimicrobial agent and film-forming rheology modifier.
• In winemaking, used to control spoilage microorganisms and protect wine quality.
• Supports SO2 reduction strategies during vinification.

Good to know: Degree of deacetylation, typically 75–95%, is a key specification buyers should confirm for pharmaceutical or functional food applications.

Formulation notes

• Chitosan oligosaccharide has lower molecular size and viscosity, suitable for low-viscosity liquid systems, but does not reproduce high-molecular-weight rheology or film behavior.

Typical specification

• Molecular weight available in high (>2000 kDa or 2000–1000 kDa), medium (1000–600, 600–300, 300–100 kDa), and low (100–20, <20 kDa) ranges.
• Viscosity of a 1.0% solution available in high (4000–1000 cPs), medium (1000–100 cPs), and low (100–20, 5–10 cPs) ranges.
• Offered in food grade or dietary supplement grade, medical device grade or pharma grade, agricultural use grade, and industrial use grade.
• Degree of deacetylation available in three ranges: more than 90%, 80–90%, and less than 80%.
• Offered in particle sizes from 80 to 200 mesh.

Regulatory status

• Fungal origin is verified according to OIV resolutions OIV-OENO 368-2009 and OIV-OENO 728-2025.
• Animal-derived chitosan is not accepted by the OIV.
• Chitosan hydrochloride has registration number SANCO12388-V5.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Can be shipped at room temperature without cooling measures.
• Normal storage at room temperature for one month does not impair the biological activity of powder products.

Frequently asked questions about Chitosan

What are the applications of chitosan in food processing?

It is also used for filtration and clarification in food processing, such as sugar processing.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.