Chitosan:
The Multi-Purpose Biopolymer
Promecens
Chitosan
The Multi-Purpose Biopolymer
At Promecens, we have developed a high-purity chitosan with a degree of deacetylation (DDA) exceeding 90%, delivering enhanced bioactivity, solubility, antimicrobial efficacy, and sustainability compared to traditional chitosan. Our chitosan is an advanced biopolymer derived from renewable sources, offering a biodegradable and biocompatible alternative to synthetic polymers used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food preservation, and industrial applications.
Through precision molecular engineering, Promecens has optimized chitosan’s moisture retention, antimicrobial properties, and structural integrity, positioning it as a next-generation material for high-value applications in healthcare, clean technology, and sustainable manufacturing.
Understanding Chitosan: Molecular Structure & Functional Properties
Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide obtained by the deacetylation of chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, fungi, and insects. Its unique polymeric structure imparts remarkable physicochemical properties, making it a critical biomaterial in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental technologies.
More Details
Molecular Structure of Chitosan
Chitosan consists of β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated units) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated units). The degree of deacetylation (DDA) is a crucial determinant of its functional properties:
High-Purity Chitosan (DDA >90%) → Superior solubility, bioactivity, and antimicrobial potency.
Conventional Chitosan (DDA ~70-85%) → Reduced functional efficacy due to lower deacetylation levels.
By engineering ultra-pure chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation, Promecens ensures greater chemical reactivity, enhanced solubility in acidic environments, and increased biological activity, enabling applications across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable packaging.
Key Features of Promecens’ High-Purity Chitosan
Superior Moisture Retention & Skin Hydration 💧
- Absorbs up to 400% of its weight in water, delivering long-lasting hydration in skincare formulations.
- Forms a protective biofilm on the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 50%.
- Accelerates cell proliferation and wound healing, making it ideal for dermatological and regenerative medicine applications.
High Biodegradability & Eco-Friendly Profile ♻️
- Fully degradable within 21-28 days, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers.
- Supports circular economy principles by enabling zero-waste and recyclable product formulations.
Antimicrobial & Antiviral Capabilities 🦠
- Demonstrates >90% bacterial inhibition (MIC < 50 µg/mL) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Acts as a natural preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging, replacing synthetic antimicrobial agents.
- Exhibits antiviral activity, disrupting viral membranes, making it effective for antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and biomedical implants
How Promecens’ High-Purity Chitosan Outperforms Traditional Chitosan
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Feature
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Promecens’ High-Purity Chitosan (DDA > 90%)
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Traditional Chitosan (DDA 70-85%)
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|---|---|---|
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Degree of Deacetylation (DDA)
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>90% (enhanced solubility and bioactivity)
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70-85% (lower solubility and inconsistent performance)
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Molecular Weight
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Customizable (50-300 kDa) for specific applications
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Limited molecular weight control
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Solubility
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Highly soluble in acidic and neutral solutions
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Partially soluble, requiring additional processing
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Moisture Retention
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Absorbs 400% of its weight in water
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<250% water absorption
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Antimicrobial Efficacy
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Inhibits >90% bacterial growth at MIC < 50 µg/mL
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Lower antimicrobial potency, requiring synthetic additives
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Biodegradability
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98% degradation within 28 days
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Slower degradation, with residual polymeric waste
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Industrial Applications
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Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Biomedicine
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Mostly used in food preservation and drug encapsulation
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Promecens’ advanced chitosan refinement process ensures superior functionality, stability, and sustainability, making it the preferred choice for high-value industrial applications.
Industrial Applications of Promecens’ High-Purity Chitosan
Cosmetics & Cosmeceuticals
Hydrating Skincare: Enhances moisturization and skin elasticity.
Anti-Aging & Skin Repair: Reduces fine lines, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Natural Thickening Agent: Provides stabilization and texture enhancement in clean beauty formulations.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Applications
Drug Delivery Systems: Functions as a bioactive carrier, improving drug solubility and controlled release.
Antimicrobial Wound Dressings: Prevents infection and accelerates wound healing.
Medical Coatings & Tissue Engineering: Supports osteoblast adhesion and cell regeneration.
Sustainable Packaging & Food Preservation
Biodegradable Food Packaging Films: Enhances shelf-life extension by preventing microbial contamination.
Natural Food Preservative: Reduces spoilage and extends product stability.
Water-Soluble Packaging: Develops dissolvable, environmentally friendly films.
Industrial & Environmental Applications
Bioremediation: Binds heavy metals and pollutants, facilitating wastewater treatment.
Agricultural Coatings & Fertilizers: Enhances soil microbiome and plant growth stimulation.
Green Adhesives & Bio-Based Coatings: Provides biodegradable alternatives to synthetic adhesives.