- Biological Activity: Chitosan exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Charge-based Mechanism: At acidic pH, chitosan becomes positively charged, enabling it to:
- Interact with negatively charged microbial membranes → disrupts cell integrity.
- Form polyelectrolyte complexes with DNA/RNA, proteins, and anionic polymers.
- Bioadhesive & Mucoadhesive Properties: Enhances retention at mucosal sites, improving drug absorption and retention.
- Film-forming & Gelation: Forms stable gels, films, and hydrogels suitable for controlled release systems and scaffolds.
Chitosan
| CAS No: | 9012-76-4 |
| EINECS No: | 222-311-2 |
| Synonyms: | Poly-D-glucosamine, deacetylated chitin, β-(1→4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose, chitosan from crab shells, Chitosamine, Poliglusam, Crab shell extract |
Product Summary
Chitosan is a natural, biodegradable polysaccharide derived by the deacetylation of chitin, primarily sourced from crustacean shells (e.g., shrimp, crab). It consists of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units.
Biochemical Function & Mechanism of Action
Applications in Scientific Research
- Nano- and microparticles for oral, ocular, nasal, and transdermal drug delivery.
- pH-sensitive and enzymatically-degradable carriers.
- Binds and protects nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) during transport.
- Non-viral gene vector with low toxicity and high biocompatibility.
- 3D scaffolds for skin, bone, cartilage, and nerve regeneration.
- Supports cell adhesion, proliferation, and ECM deposition.
- Used as a film/coating to immobilize enzymes, antibodies, or DNA on electrodes.
- Antimicrobial agent in packaging and shelf-life extension.
- Plant growth stimulator and antifungal biopesticide.
- Seed coating and soil conditioner.
- Effective biosorbent for removing heavy metals, dyes, and oils due to high surface area and reactive amino groups.
Packaging & Storage
- Almost white to slightly yellow powder
- Store in a tight container, in a dry and cool place
References
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- Cheung RCF, et al. 2015: Chitosan: an update on potential biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, Mar Drugs 13(8): 5156–86.
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- Issahaku I, et al. 2023: Chitosan and chitosan derivatives: Recent advancements in production and applications in environmental remediation, Environmental Advances 11: 100351.
- Bernkop-Schnürch A, Dünnhaupt S. 2012: Chitosan-based drug delivery systems, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 81(3): 463–9.
- Sarfraz MH, et al. 2024: Chitosan-based coatings and films: A perspective on antimicrobial, antioxidant, and intelligent food packaging, Prog Organ Coating 188:108235.
- Chicea D, Nicolae-Maranciuc A. 2024: A review of chitosan-based materials for biomedical, food, and water treatment applications, Materials 17(23): 5770.
- Nicomel NR, et al. 2021: Selective and enhanced nickel adsorption from sulfate- and calcium-rich solutions using chitosan, Separation and Purification Technology 276: 119283.
- Khan A, Alamry KA. 2021: Recent advances of emerging green chitosan-based biomaterials with potential biomedical applications: A review, Carbohydrate Res 506: 08368.
- Fakhri E, et al. 2020: Chitosan biomaterials application in dentistry, Int J Biol Macromol 162:956–974.
- Antoniou J, et al. 2024: Gene therapy with chitosan nanoparticles: Modern formulation strategies for enhancing cancer cell transfection, Pharmaceutics 16(7):868.