Types of Chitosan
All Chitosan
- Chitosan
- Chitosan Oligosaccharide
- Trimethyl Chitosan
- Quaternary Chitosan
- Chitosan Hydrochloride
Chitosan
Chitosan is a naturally occurring polymer derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, fungi, bacteria and algae. It is obtained through the deacetylation of chitin, resulting in a polymer with a degree of deacetylation of 50% or more.
Properties of Chitosan
Chitosan has several unique properties, including:
1. Biocompatibility: Chitosan is biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic, making it suitable for various applications.
2. Antimicrobial properties: Chitosan has antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of microorganisms.
Applications of Chitosan
Chitosan has a wide range of applications, including:
- Water treatment: Chitosan can be used to remove impurities and contaminants from water.
- Agriculture: Chitosan can be used as a plant defense activator and growth stimulant and as a non-toxic fertilizer additive.
- Animal feed: Chitosan can be used as a feed additive for farm animals and pets to enhance growth and eliminate the need for antibiotics.
Grades of Chitosan
There are different grades of chitosan, including what we we offer from crustacean sources:
- Agricultural grade: This grade is generally created with less expenditure of materials and energy, making it more affordable ( $19-26/kilogram range). It is for the types of applications listed above.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide
Chitosan Oligosaccharide is the term given to chitosan which has been deacetylated to a very high degree, usually 98% or greater. It has a very low molecular weight 2-5 kDa, and has 2-10 monomers of glucosamine. These smaller sized molecules contribute to the high potential charge density making it ideal as a bactericidal compound that is non-toxic. Prices range fro 49-130 per kilogram.
1.Agriculture: COS can be used as a natural fertilizer, soil conditioner, and plant growth regulator, and defense activator promoting healthy plant growth and development.
2. Pharmaceuticals: COS has been explored as a carrier for drug delivery, enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of drugs.
3. Food Industry: COS can be used as a food additive, improving the texture and stability of food products.
4. Cosmetics: COS has been used in skincare products due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.
5. Biomedical Applications: COS has been investigated for its potential in tissue engineering, wound healing, and gene delivery.
6. Animal Feed: COS can be used as a feed additive, promoting the growth and health of animals.
7. Environmental Applications: COS can be used to remove heavy metals and other pollutants from water and soil.
These applications are based on the unique properties of COS, including its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and ability to form complexes with other molecules.
Trimethyl Chitosan
Trimethyl chitosan (TMC) is a versatile polymer with various applications, primarily in the pharmaceutical field. Its main applications include:
1. Drug Delivery: TMC is used as a carrier for drug delivery due to its ability to form complexes with drugs and enhance their absorption.
2. Mucoadhesive Properties: TMC’s positive charge and solubility over a wide pH range make it an effective mucoadhesive agent, allowing it to stick to mucous membranes and enhance drug absorption.
3. Permeation Enhancement: TMC can increase the permeability of drugs across biological membranes, making it a useful excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
4. DNA Delivery: TMC has been explored as a carrier for DNA delivery, taking advantage of its ability to form complexes with DNA and facilitate its uptake by cells.
5. Antimicrobial Properties: TMC and its derivatives have shown antimicrobial activity, making them potential candidates for use in antimicrobial applications.
6. Nanoparticle Formation: TMC can be used to form nanoparticles, which can be employed in various biomedical applications, including drug delivery and imaging.
7. Oral Delivery: TMC-coated nano-complexes have been shown to enhance the oral bioavailability and chemotherapeutic effects of certain drugs.
Quaternary Chitosan
Quaternary chitosan has a wide range of applications, including:
1. Biomedical Applications: Quaternary chitosan is used in tissue engineering, wound healing, and as a carrier for drug and gene delivery.
2. Antimicrobial Applications: Quaternary chitosan has antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of microorganisms.
3. Food Packaging: Quaternary chitosan is used as a packaging material in the food industry due to its antimicrobial and biodegradable properties.
4. Water Purification: Quaternary chitosan can be used to remove impurities and contaminants from water.
5. Antiviral Agents: Quaternary chitosan has been shown to have antiviral activity, making it a potential alternative to commercially available antiviral agents.
6. Gene Delivery: Quaternary chitosan can be used as a carrier for gene delivery, allowing for the efficient transfer of genetic material into cells.
7. Wound Healing: Quaternary chitosan can be used to promote wound healing by enhancing the migration and proliferation of cells.
8. Tissue Engineering: Quaternary chitosan can be used as a scaffold material in tissue engineering, providing a framework for cell growth and differentiation.
9. Nanoparticles: Quaternary chitosan can be used to form nanoparticles, which can be used for a range of applications, including drug delivery and imaging.
10. Biodegradable Materials: Quaternary chitosan is biodegradable, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
These applications are based on the unique properties of quaternary chitosan, including its positive charge, water solubility, and biodegradability.
Chitosan Hydrochloride
Chitosan hydrochloride (Chitosan HCl) has several applications, including:
- Hydrogels: Chitosan HCl can be used to create hydrogels, which are useful in various biomedical applications, such as wound dressings and drug delivery systems.
- Wound dressings: Chitosan HCl’s hemostatic effects and mucoadhesion properties make it suitable for use in wound dressings, promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
3. Drug transport and release: Chitosan HCl can be used as a carrier for drug delivery, allowing for controlled release and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
4. Medical applications: Chitosan HCl is listed in the European Pharmacopoeia (Eur. Ph.) for medical applications, indicating its potential use in various medical contexts.
5. Food industry: Chitosan HCl’s solubility in water and its antimicrobial properties make it suitable for use in the food industry, potentially as a food additive or preservative.
These applications are based on the unique properties of Chitosan HCl, including its solubility in water, hemostatic effects, mucoadhesion, and antimicrobial activity.
Shield Nutraceuticals, Inc.
423-202-6145
steve@shieldnutra.com
Chitosan Price List Q3 2024
*A 20% Brokerage Fee will be added to a $35/kg Shipping and Customs (SC) Fee for Chitosan from China. This is the result of the continuing Tariff of 25% on Chinese goods coming into the U.S.
We represent Alpha-Chitin of Lacq, France. We proudly offer their ultra-high quality mycelium chitosan. Contact us for importation charges.
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Price Valid Through Q3 2024
Payment Terms: 100% in advance
Lead time 2-12 weeks most orders
Shield Nutraceuticals, Inc. is the Agent of Record for importing chitosan products produced by Be-Better Technologies. They are the world’s leading manufacturer of Mushroom Chitosan. We have been importing chitosan from them for many years and have an established track record. All chitosan listed is manufactured in a Registered FDA Food Facility in China or a GMP manufacturing facility in France. Every batch is tracked to its own Certificate of Analysis. All test results are stored by date, time, and lot, on a block chain.