DEFINITION

Chitosan is an unbranched binary polysaccharide consisting of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-glucosamine units linked in a β(1→4) manner. Chitosan is obtained by partial deacetylation of chitin, which is extracted from the shells of edible shrimps and crabs suitable for human use. Its degree of deacetylation is NLT 70.0% and NMT 95.0%.