Chitosan is a natural organic polymer with cationic charge. It is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. It has interesting chemical and biological properties, but is usually used for its mechanical properties, such as viscosity and capasity to gather and create fibers, sponge and gels. Chitosan is also used as chelatin agent and for its bacteriostatical and fungustatic effect.

Chitosan is made by deacetylation of chitin. The chitosan is given different properties depending upon production conditions.

Chitosan is supplied as powder or grain in different degrees of milling.

 

Chemical name:        Poly-(1-4)-2-Amino-2-deoxy-ß-D-Glucan
Molecular formula:  (C₆H₁₁O₄N)· n

Molecular weight:    161·n