937657

Chitosan

biomedical research grade, high molecular weight

• Synonym(s): Deacetylated chitin, Poly(D-glucosamine)
• Linear Formula: (C₆H₁₁O₄N)_n
• CAS Number: 9012-76-4
• UNSPSC Code: 12352142

Properties

• Quality Level: 100
• description: suitable for biomedical research applications
• form: powder or chunks (or Fibers)
• mol wt: >300 kDa
• impurities: <10 CFU/g Aerobic microbes; <10 CFU/g Yeast; <100 EU/g Endotoxin
• color: white to off-white

Description

General description

Introducing a sustainably sourced high-quality chitosan, a remarkable product that combines sustainability with exceptional performance. Chitosan is a naturally occurring compound derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. It is produced by deacetylating chitin through a chemical process. Chitosan is characterized by its unique properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and a positive charge due to the presence of amino groups. With its eco-friendly sourcing, this chitosan provides a high degree of reprodubility with undetectable protein and contaminants due to the fully-controlled system, making it an excellent choice for various industries.

Application

Biomedical Research: Chitosan has been investigated for its potential in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery systems, and regenerative medicine. Researchers have explored chitosan-based scaffolds, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and films for applications in tissue regeneration, wound dressings, controlled drug release, and more.

Drug Delivery Research: Chitosan has been studied as an excipient in drug formulations, particularly for improving drug stability, solubility, and targeted drug delivery. Its mucoadhesive properties make it useful in oral drug delivery systems, nasal formulations, and gastrointestinal drug delivery.

Biotechnology: Chitosan has been researched for its antimicrobial properties and its potential use as a natural preservative in various food and cosmetic products. It has also been explored for its ability to encapsulate enzymes, antibodies, and other biologically active molecules, allowing controlled release and protection of these compounds.

Environmental Research: Chitosan has been investigated for applications in environmental remediation, such as water and wastewater treatment. Its ability to bind with heavy metals and organic contaminants has made it a subject of research for purifying water sources and removing pollutants.

Agricultural Research: Chitosan has been studied for its potential in agricultural applications. It has been researched as a biopesticide, plant growth promoter, and crop protection agent. Chitosan′s role in enhancing plant growth, disease resistance, and improving soil health has been of interest to researchers.

Biocompatible Materials: Chitosan′s biocompatibility and biodegradability have made it a subject of research for developing biocompatible materials, such as coatings, films, and scaffolds for various applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biosensing.

Features and Benefits

Some of the key properties of chitosan include:

Biodegradability: Chitosan is a biodegradable material, meaning it can break down naturally over time into non-toxic byproducts. This property makes chitosan environmentally friendly and reduces its impact on ecosystems. It also makes it advantageous in various biomedical engineering applications such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Biocompatibility: Chitosan is generally considered biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by living organisms without eliciting significant immune responses or toxic effects. This property makes chitosan suitable for use in various biomedical and pharmaceutical R&D applications.

Mucoadhesion: Chitosan exhibits mucoadhesive properties, meaning it can adhere to mucosal surfaces such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract or the nasal cavity. This property makes chitosan useful for targeted drug delivery, as it can prolong the contact time and enhance the absorption of drugs at specific sites.

Antimicrobial Activity: Chitosan exhibits inherent antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial and antifungal activities. It can disrupt the cell walls of microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and survival. This property makes chitosan valuable for applications such as wound dressings.

Film-Forming: Chitosan has the ability to form films and coatings when applied to surfaces. These films provide barrier properties, protecting against moisture loss, microbial contamination, and oxidative damage. Chitosan films find applications in wound healing, packaging, and cosmetic formulations.

Chelation and Metal Binding: Chitosan has the capability to chelate or bind to metal ions, such as heavy metals. This property makes it useful for water treatment applications, where chitosan can help remove heavy metal contaminants from water sources.

Gelation and Hydrogel Formation: Chitosan can undergo gelation and form hydrogels when combined with appropriate crosslinking agents or under specific conditions. These hydrogels have applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing, providing a 3D matrix for cellular growth and drug release.

Promotes sustainability: By choosing our sustainably source chitosan, you contribute to sustainable sourcing practices and reduce your environmental impact.

For research use only.

Safety Information

• Storage Class Code: 11 - Combustible Solids
• WGK: nwg
• Flash Point(F): Not applicable
• Flash Point(C): Not applicable