Snow crab shells
An illustrative crustacean source; confirm the actual raw material for the selected grade.
Chitin vs chitosan vs chitosan oligosaccharide
Compare the materials, explore a common preparation pathway and choose the technical file for your application.
Material differences
| Material | Identity and chain size | Water and formulation behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Chitin | A natural polysaccharide. Chain size varies with source and processing. | Generally insoluble in water. |
| Chitosan | Obtained by deacetylating chitin; molecular weight and degree of deacetylation vary. | Conventional grades are poorly soluble in neutral water; suitable dilute acids improve dissolution. Modified grades differ. |
| Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) | Shorter-chain fragments. Confirm assay, average molecular weight and distribution. | Typically more water-soluble than conventional chitosan; composition, pH and grade still matter. |
A ≤3,000 Da limit describes a selected grade, not every COS material. Absorption and biological response cannot be assigned one percentage across all products, species and uses.
From shell material to COS
Chitin
Extraction removes proteins and mineral components.
Chitosan
Deacetylation removes acetyl groups from chitin.
Chitosan oligosaccharide
Chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis produces shorter-chain material.
Illustrative images; appearance varies by source, grade and process.
An enzymatic preparation route
- 01
Prepare / dissolve chitosan
- 02
Enzymatic hydrolysis
- 03
Separate / ultrafilter
- 04
Refine / nanofilter
- 05
Dry, for example by spray drying
- 06
Pack, sample and check
This is an illustrative route. Membrane operations, sampling points and drying depend on the selected process. It does not establish a cleanroom classification or validated manufacturing claim.
Choose your application
Technical background: Production of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan and Chitooligosaccharides (COS): A Review (2021); Bioproduction of Chitooligosaccharides: Present and Perspectives (2014).