Chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin (can be produced from chitin also), which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, etc.). The degree of deacetylation (%DA) can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, and the %DA in commercial chitosans is in the range 60-100 %.
Commercial chitosan is derived from the shells of shrimp and other sea crustaceans, including Pandalus borealis, pictured here. Pandalus borealis (also called Pandalus eous) is a species of shrimp found in cold parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many different English names are used, with little consensus (deep-water shrimp, cold-water shrimp, northern shrimp, Alaskan pink shrimp, pink shrimp, northern red shrimp).
Chitosan's properties allow it to rapidly clot blood, and has recently gained approval in the USA for use in bandages. The bandages include a layer of carefully produced chitosan that, when applied to a wound, causes rapid clotting, stopping the bleeding. Chitosan is hypoallergenic, and has natural anti-bacterial properties, further supporting its use in field bandages.
Chitosan
Code
Product Name
Specification
CT-101
Chitosan Industrial grade
Deacetylation >75%, Ash<.2.0%, Moisture<.12.0%
CT-102
Chitosan Food grade
Deacetylation >90%, Ash<1.0%, Moisture<10.0%
CT-103
Chitosan Medical grade
Deacetylation >95%, Ash<.0.5%, Moisture<.10.0%
CT-104
Chitosan Oligosaccaride Acid
MW 7-10KDa; soluable in weak acid Deacetylation >95%, Ash<.0.5%, Moisture<.10.0%,
CT-105
Chitosan High-Density
Bulk density > 0.6g/ml, Deacetylation >85%, Ash <.1.0%, Moisture
CT-106
Chitosan - Sodium Acety
Carboylation Degree >60%, Deacetylation >90%, Viscosity 50-150mpa.s (1% water solution); water soluable
CT-107
Chitosan N.O-Carboxymethyl
Carboylation Degree >60%, Deacetylation >90%, Viscosity 50-150mpa.s (1% water solution); water soluable
CT-108
Chitosan - Hyaluronic Acid
Easily soluable in water at ordinary temperature, Viscosity 50-150mpa.s (1% water solution)
CT-109
Chitosan - Lactate Salt
Water-absorbing capacity: 40-50 times (v/v), Water-absorbing rate: 20second