Chitosan (pronounced/’kaltqæn/) is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine\ (acetylated unit). It has a number of commercial and possible biomedical uses.  Commercial chitosan is derived from the shells of shrimp and other sea crustaceans, including Pandalus boreali pictured here.

Chitosan is produced commercially by deactivation of chitin, which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, etc.) and cell walls of  fungi. The degree of deacetylation (%DD) can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, and the %DD in commercial chitosans is in the range 60-100 %. On average, the molecular weight of commercially produced chitosan is between 3800 to 20,000 daltons. A common method for the synthesis of chitosan is the deacetylation of chitin using sodium hydroxide in excess as a reagent and water as a solvent. This reaction pathway, when allowed to go to completion (complete deacetylation) yields up to 98% product.

(Wikipedia, Chitosan, 3/7/2011)

Chitosan Nanoparticles
Chitosan Scaffolds 
Chitosan Sorbents    
Natural Polymers
Polymers /Resins  
    
 

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