Description
What Is Chitosan Hydrochloride (Shellfish)?
Chitosan Hydrochloride commonly abbreviated as Chitosan HCl is produced by neutralizing chitosan with hydrochloric acid to form a stable, fully water-soluble chloride salt. The resulting polymer retains all the biological properties of native chitosan its cationic character, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability while becoming completely soluble in neutral water without any pH adjustment.
Our Chitosan Hydrochloride Shellfish is derived from the exoskeletons of shrimp and crab sourced from FDA-registered processing facilities. The chitin is first extracted through sequential demineralization and deproteinization, then deacetylated to produce chitosan, then converted to its HCl salt form under controlled conditions to achieve a consistent degree of deacetylation of ≥85% and a molecular weight in the range of 50,000–100,000 Da.
The product carries CAS number 70694-72-3 and is the same compound referenced under trade names including Protasan CL, Sea Cure CL, and Poliglusam hydrochloride in pharmaceutical and biomedical literature.
To understand where Chitosan HCl fits within the full chitosan family, see our guide to types of chitosan or the Chitosan Hydrochloride hub page.
Why Chitosan Hydrochloride — Not Native Chitosan?
This is the most important question for any formulation buyer. The answer is straightforward: solubility.
Native chitosan the standard, unmodified form is only soluble in dilute acidic solutions (typically 0.5–2% acetic acid or hydrochloric acid). This means every application using native chitosan requires pH adjustment, which adds processing steps, limits compatibility with neutral-pH systems, and can affect the stability of co-formulated actives.
Chitosan Hydrochloride removes that barrier entirely. Because the amino groups on the chitosan polymer chain are already protonated in the HCl salt form, the polymer dissolves instantly and completely in neutral water at room temperature no acid required. This fundamental change in solubility opens up entire categories of formulation that are impossible with native chitosan:
- Neutral-pH aqueous solutions and beverages
- Standard pharmaceutical tablet and capsule manufacturing
- Cosmetic emulsions and serums formulated at pH 5–7
- Agricultural spray solutions without acidification
- Direct aqueous drug delivery systems
For a technical breakdown of how Chitosan HCl compares to other water-soluble derivatives including Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Chitosan Oligosaccharide, visit our complete derivative comparison guide on the Chitosan Hydrochloride hub page.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Chitosan Hydrochloride (Chitosan HCl) |
| CAS Number | 70694-72-3 |
| Source | Shellfish — Shrimp & Crab exoskeleton |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₇ClN₂O₁₁ (repeating unit) |
| Molecular Weight | 50,000–100,000 Da (Low–Medium) |
| Degree of Deacetylation (DDA) | ≥85% |
| Degree of Substitution | ~90% (amino group, position 2) |
| Viscosity (1% solution, 25°C) | 10–200 cps (product-dependent) |
| Solubility | Fully water-soluble at neutral pH |
| Appearance | Off-white to cream fine powder |
| Moisture Content | ≤10% |
| Ash Content | ≤2% |
| Heavy Metals | Meets food/pharma-grade limits |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 4.5–6.5 |
| Facility | Registered FDA Food Facility |
| Available Grades | Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Agricultural, Industrial |
| COA Available | Yes — at quotation and order stage |
| MSDS Available | Yes |
Why viscosity matters: Viscosity is a direct indicator of molecular weight in chitosan polymers. Lower viscosity (10–50 cps) indicates lower molecular weight better for oral bioavailability, encapsulation, and thin-film coatings. Higher viscosity (100–200 cps) indicates higher molecular weight better for gel formation, wound dressings, and film-forming coatings. Contact us if you need a specific viscosity range for your application.
Download Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Key Properties & Performance Characteristics
Complete Water Solubility at Neutral pH
Chitosan HCl dissolves fully and instantly in water across a pH range of approximately 4.5–9, without requiring any acid pre-treatment. This makes it the most versatile form of shellfish chitosan for aqueous processing environments and direct use in liquid formulation systems.
Strong Cationic Charge & Antimicrobial Activity
The protonated amino groups on Chitosan HCl carry a permanent positive charge in solution. This cationic character enables the molecule to interact electrostatically with negatively charged microbial cell membranes disrupting membrane integrity and inhibiting growth of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and certain fungi. This is the same mechanism that makes chitosan effective across food preservation, wound care, and agricultural crop protection.
Mucoadhesive Properties
Chitosan HCl’s cationic surface interacts strongly with the negatively charged mucin glycoproteins that coat mucosal tissues producing a mucoadhesive effect that significantly extends residence time at mucosal surfaces. This property is exploited in oral, nasal, buccal, and ocular drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability by prolonging contact with the absorption surface.
Biocompatible & Non-Cytotoxic
Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that Chitosan HCl is biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and safe for contact with human and animal biological tissues. It is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA for use in dietary supplements. Its safety profile supports use in food, nutraceuticals, and direct-contact pharmaceutical and medical applications.
Biodegradable & Clean-Label Compatible
Chitosan HCl is fully biodegradable by lysozyme and chitinase enzymes present in the human body and the natural environment producing non-toxic glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine metabolites. For manufacturers developing clean-label, sustainable, or eco-certified products, this property is a significant differentiator versus synthetic polymer alternatives.
Cationic Fat-Binding Capacity
In the gut, the positively charged Chitosan HCl polymer binds to negatively charged dietary fat molecules before they are absorbed forming a complex that passes through the GI tract unabsorbed. This fat-binding mechanism underpins chitosan’s use in weight management supplement formulations and its FDA-approved classification as a dietary fiber.
Applications by Industry
Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals
Chitosan Hydrochloride is one of the most established chitosan forms in the dietary supplement industry. Its water solubility enables direct dissolution in liquid formulations, easy encapsulation into gelatin or vegan capsules, and incorporation into functional beverages and protein blends without texture issues.
Key supplement applications include:
- Weight management: Cationic fat-binding in the GI tract reduces dietary fat absorption. Its water solubility improves efficacy versus native chitosan in supplement matrices.
- Gut health & digestive support: Acts as a prebiotic dietary fiber, supporting beneficial microbiome populations and improving bowel regularity.
- Cholesterol management: Binds bile acids in the gut, interrupting enterohepatic circulation and reducing LDL cholesterol recycling.
- Joint health formulations: Combined with glucosamine and chondroitin in musculoskeletal health products.
- Functional beverages: Solubility at neutral pH enables use in ready-to-drink nutraceutical beverages without acid formulation requirements.
→ Learn more about chitosan in dietary supplements
Pharmaceutical & Drug Delivery
Chitosan HCl is among the most extensively studied natural polymers in pharmaceutical formulation research. Its mucoadhesive character, positive charge, water solubility, and biodegradability combine to make it an exceptional carrier and excipient across multiple delivery routes.
Key pharmaceutical applications include:
- Oral drug delivery: Mucoadhesive coating improves GI residence time and drug absorption. Permeation enhancer in intestinal epithelium for hydrophilic drugs with poor bioavailability.
- Nasal and buccal delivery: Mucoadhesive films and gels for systemic drug delivery via nasal mucosa or buccal lining bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism.
- Ocular drug delivery: Used in ophthalmic drops and inserts where mucoadhesion to the conjunctival surface extends precorneal residence time and reduces dosing frequency.
- Gene delivery & transfection: Positively charged Chitosan HCl forms stable polyplexes with negatively charged DNA and siRNA, enabling non-viral gene delivery for research and therapeutic applications.
- Wound care: Antimicrobial hydrogels and films for wound dressings that prevent infection, absorb exudate, and support healing.
- Injectable hydrogels: Low-viscosity HCl solutions can be formulated into injectable depot systems for localized drug delivery.
→ Explore chitosan for drug delivery systems
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Shellfish Chitosan HCl has a long history in cosmetic formulation, where its film-forming, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties support a wide range of product types. Unlike native chitosan, its neutral-pH solubility means it can be incorporated directly into standard cosmetic emulsions and serums without pH adjustment.
Key cosmetic applications include:
- Moisturizing serums & creams: Forms a hygroscopic film on the skin surface that reduces transepidermal water loss and maintains hydration
- Hair care — shampoos & conditioners: Deposits a thin, cationic film on negatively charged hair strands, reducing static, improving shine, and providing detangling benefits
- Anti-aging formulations: Supports skin barrier integrity and improves texture in premium anti-aging product lines
- Preservative booster: Antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria reduces the concentration of synthetic preservatives required in cosmetic formulations
- Film-forming nail treatments: Forms flexible, breathable protective films on nail surfaces
→ Explore chitosan in cosmetics and personal care → See chitosan personal care applications
Agriculture — Crop Protection & Plant Growth
Chitosan HCl’s neutral-pH water solubility is a significant practical advantage in agricultural use. Standard foliar spray equipment operates at or near neutral pH meaning Chitosan HCl can be mixed and sprayed directly without acidification, unlike native chitosan which requires pH adjustment to dissolve.
Key agricultural applications include:
- Foliar biostimulant: Elicits systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants — triggering natural defence mechanisms against fungal and bacterial pathogens
- Seed coating: Pre-germination seed treatment improves germination rates, emergence uniformity, and early root development
- Post-harvest treatment: Coating applied directly to harvested produce reduces surface microbial load and slows deterioration in storage and transit
- Soil microbiome support: Low-dose soil drench applications improve beneficial microbial populations and soil water retention
- Biopesticide formulation: Active ingredient in certified organic crop protection formulations against powdery mildew, grey mold, and other fungal diseases
→ Read the complete guide to chitosan in agriculture
Industrial — Water Treatment & Coatings
The strong positive charge of Chitosan HCl makes it an effective industrial flocculant and surface treatment agent. Key industrial applications include:
- Wastewater treatment: Binds and flocculates negatively charged suspended particles, dyes, heavy metal ions, and microplastics in industrial effluent streams
- Antimicrobial surface coatings: Applied to textile fibers, paper, and packaging materials to impart durable surface antimicrobial protection
- Paper & packaging: Improves mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and barrier properties of paper-based materials
- Fiber manufacturing: Incorporated into bicomponent fiber structures for antimicrobial performance textiles
→ Learn more about chitosan in water treatment → See fiber manufacturing applications
Chitosan Hydrochloride vs Native Chitosan vs Other Derivatives
| Feature | Chitosan HCl (This Product) | Native Chitosan | Carboxymethyl Chitosan | Chitosan Oligosaccharide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Fully water-soluble | Acid-soluble only | Fully water-soluble | Fully water-soluble |
| pH Range | 4.5–9 | <6 only | Neutral–alkaline | All pH |
| Molecular Weight | 50,000–100,000 Da | 100,000–500,000 Da | 200,000–500,000 Da | <5,000 Da |
| Cationic Charge | Strong | Strong (acid only) | Anionic | Moderate |
| Formulation Ease | Excellent | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mucoadhesion | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Lower |
| Antimicrobial | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Strong |
| Fat Binding | Yes | Yes | No | Limited |
| Bioavailability | Good | Moderate | Good | Highest |
| Best For | Supplements, pharma, cosmetics | Ag, industrial, coatings | Pharma, wound care | Ag biostimulants, premium cosmetics |
| Price Point | Mid | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
→ Compare all chitosan types → Chitosan Hydrochloride — all origins compared
Shellfish vs Other Origins — Choosing the Right Chitosan HCl
Chitosan Hydrochloride is also available from mushroom (vegetal) origin and Black Soldier Fly (insect) origin. Here is how shellfish HCl compares:
| Shellfish HCl (This Product) | Mushroom HCl | BSF HCl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Shrimp & crab exoskeleton | Fungal — vegan | Insect — sustainable |
| Allergen | Shellfish allergen declaration required | None | None |
| Vegan | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lowest | Mid | Higher |
| Consistency | Variable (seasonal supply) | High (controlled fermentation) | Highest (controlled environment) |
| Best For | Industrial, ag, non-vegan supplements | Vegan/clean-label formulations | Pharmaceutical, biomedical |
Choose shellfish HCl when: price efficiency is the priority, the product is non-food or industrial, or no allergen/vegan labeling constraints exist.
Choose mushroom or BSF HCl when: vegan certification, halal/kosher compliance, allergen-free labeling, or highest batch consistency is required.
Pricing & How to Order
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 25g Sample | Free shipping | Ideal for lab validation and formulation trials |
| 1 kg | $45.00 | + 15% U.S. import tariff + $125 FedEx shipping |
| Bulk (100 kg+) | Contact for pricing | Volume-discounted FOB pricing available |
| Bulk (500 kg – 1 ton+) | Contact for pricing | Significant volume discount — use price calculator |
For volume pricing, visit our wholesale pricing page or contact steve@chitosanglobal.com directly.
Payment Terms: 100% in advance Lead Time: 2–12 weeks depending on order size and origin U.S. Tariff: Currently 15% on imports from applicable origins
Why Order From Chitosan Global?
Named FDA-registered manufacturer — not an anonymous listing
Every product on this page is manufactured in a specific, named Registered FDA Food Facility. You know who produces your product before you place an order. This is fundamentally different from purchasing through an aggregator platform or marketplace where the manufacturer is unknown.
COA available before you pay
We provide the Certificate of Analysis at the quotation stage not only at delivery. You can verify DDA, viscosity, molecular weight, moisture, ash, and heavy metals data before committing to a purchase.
Fully transparent pricing
Our markup on the manufacturer’s FOB price is 30% disclosed openly. Shipping and tariff costs are itemized separately on your invoice at actual cost. There are no service fees or bundled charges.
Free expert consultation
Not sure whether Shellfish Chitosan HCl, Mushroom Chitosan HCl, or BSF Chitosan HCl is right for your application? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our product team. We will recommend the right grade and provide a price quotation at no charge.
Samples available with free shipping
Order a 25g sample to validate your formulation before any bulk commitment. Browse all available samples in our shop.
→ Learn more about Chitosan Global → Read about our responsible supply chain
Related Products
Looking for an alternative origin, derivative, or grade? These products may better fit your specific application:
- Chitosan Hydrochloride — Mushroom Origin — Vegan, halal, allergen-free; same solubility, higher batch consistency
- Chitosan Hydrochloride — Black Soldier Fly — Highest purity and batch-to-batch reproducibility; pharmaceutical preferred
- Native Shellfish Chitosan — Acid-soluble, lowest price point; for agriculture and industrial use
- Chitosan Oligosaccharide — Lowest molecular weight, highest bioavailability; premium supplement and ag biostimulant grade
- Carboxymethyl Chitosan — Shellfish — Anionic, neutral-pH soluble; pharmaceutical wound care and drug delivery preferred
- Quaternary Chitosan — Permanent positive charge at all pH; strongest antimicrobial derivative
- High Zeta Potential Chitosan (IG/AG/FG) — Next-generation 70 mV charge density; engineered for maximum cationic performance
→ Browse all types of chitosan → View all products in our shop
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chitosan Hydrochloride Shellfish used for?
Shellfish Chitosan Hydrochloride is used across dietary supplements (weight management, gut health, cholesterol), pharmaceuticals (drug delivery, wound care, mucoadhesive systems), cosmetics (moisturizers, haircare, film-formers), agriculture (foliar biostimulant, seed treatment, post-harvest coating), and industrial applications (water treatment, antimicrobial coatings). Its defining advantage over native chitosan is complete water solubility at neutral pH enabling use in formulation systems where acid-soluble chitosan cannot be used.
What is the CAS number for Chitosan Hydrochloride? T
he CAS number for Chitosan Hydrochloride is 70694-72-3. It is also referenced in literature under the names Poliglusam hydrochloride, Chitosan chloride, Protasan CL, and Sea Cure CL. All of these refer to the same compound the chloride salt of partially deacetylated chitin.
What is the degree of deacetylation (DDA) of this product?
Our Shellfish Chitosan Hydrochloride has a degree of deacetylation of ≥85%. DDA measures the percentage of amino groups that have been freed from acetyl groups during processing. Higher DDA (>85%) produces a more positively charged, more biologically active, and better water-soluble product. For pharmaceutical applications, DDA ≥85% is typically required. If you need a specific DDA range, contact us to confirm availability.
What is the molecular weight of this Chitosan HCl?
This product has a molecular weight in the range of 50,000–100,000 Da (Low to Medium molecular weight). Molecular weight affects viscosity, mucoadhesion strength, film-forming capacity, and bioavailability. Lower MW (50,000 Da) is preferred for drug delivery and bioavailability applications. Higher MW (100,000 Da) is preferred for film-forming, wound dressings, and gel systems. Contact us if a specific MW range is required.
Is Chitosan Hydrochloride the same as regular chitosan?
No. Native chitosan requires dissolution in dilute acid typically 0.5–2% acetic acid or hydrochloric acid and is insoluble in neutral water. Chitosan Hydrochloride is the pre-formed HCl salt of chitosan, and dissolves completely in neutral water without any acid. This solubility difference is the key reason Chitosan HCl is specified for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and beverage applications where acid formulation is impractical or undesirable.
Does shellfish Chitosan HCl require an allergen declaration?
Yes. Since Chitosan Hydrochloride Shellfish is derived from shrimp and crab exoskeletons, it must be declared as containing shellfish in food, supplement, and cosmetic product labeling in the US, EU, and most global regulatory markets. If your formulation requires an allergen-free or vegan label claim, consider our Mushroom Chitosan HCl or BSF Chitosan HCl alternatives.
Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. A 25g sample is available with free shipping directly from this product page. Ordering a sample before bulk commitment is strongly recommended. it allows you to validate solubility, viscosity, and performance in your specific formulation or application before committing to a production-scale order.
What documentation is provided with my order?
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering DDA, viscosity, molecular weight, moisture, ash, and heavy metals is provided at the quotation stage and confirmed at order. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is available on request. All products are manufactured in Registered FDA Food Facilities.
What grades are available and how do I choose?
Shellfish Chitosan HCl is available in Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Agricultural, and Industrial grades. Grade selection determines purity thresholds, heavy metal limits, and testing documentation requirements. If you are unsure which grade meets your regulatory requirements, book a free 30-minute consultation and our team will confirm the right grade and provide a quotation.
Manufactured in a Registered FDA Food Facility. COA available at quotation stage. All prices are FOB unless otherwise stated. U.S. import tariff of 15% currently applies on eligible origins. Chitosan Global is operated by Shield Nutraceuticals, Inc. | 423-202-6145 | steve@chitosanglobal.com | Contact Us
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