Chitosan

Synonyms

CTA 4; Celox; Chicol; Chitopearl 3510; Chitopearl BC 3000; Chitopearl BCW 2500; Chitopearl BCW 3000; Chitopearl BCW 3500; Chitopearl BCW 3505; Chitopearl BCW 3507; Chitosan; DAC 70; Deacetylchitin; Flonac C; Flonac N; Kimitsu Chitosan F; Kimitsu Chitosan F 2; Kimitsu Chitosan H; Kimitsu Chitosan L; Kimitsu Chitosan M; Kytex H; Kytex M; Poliglusam; Sea Cure F; Sea Cure Plus; YEA; [ChemIDplus] Poly-D-glucasamine; [Reference #1] CTFA 04299; Deacetylated chitin; Flonac N; [NTP]

Category

Polysaccharides

Description

Yellow powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used in water treatment, photographic emulsions, and textile dyes; [Merck Index] Used in hydrogel and to treat wounds; [ChemIDplus] One of the most common natural polymers; Found in crustacean and insect shells, and in many fungi, algae, and yeasts; Used as a plant growth enhancer and to improve plants ability to defend against fungal infections in various field crops, ornamentals, home gardens, and nurseries; [Reference #1] Variable composition determined by manufacturer; Chitin must be deacetylated 80-85% to make soluble amine salts that resemble natural gums; Used in cosmetics, to clarify polluted wastewater, and to remove/recover harmful radioisotopes and uranium from water; Also used in medications and dietary aids; [NTP]

Comments

No adverse effects except minor skin irritation observed in toxicity studies; [Reference #1] May cause irritation; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Chitin."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Photographic Processing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)