Term: Chitosan

Category: Polymer

Definition: Chitosan is composed of a string of D-glucosamines and N-acetyl-D-glucosamines that are linked together by β-(1→4)- bonds. The base material from which chitosan is made is chitin, a natural substance that occurs in crustacean and fungal cell walls.  Chitosan is biodegradable, biocompatible, and exhibits unique cationic properties, enabling strong interactions with negatively charged biological membranes and biomolecules.

Structure: Repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine linked via β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

Uses:

It is used as a hydrophilic material, especially in coatings for medical devices, such as: 

• Antimicrobial coatings
• Anti-thrombogenic coatings

Related Content and Resources: 

Chitosan Hydrophilic Medical Coatings: Properties and Applications

UV Curing for Medical Devices: Role of PEG, PVP, Chitosan

Hydrophilic Coating Polymers and Chemistries: Complete Guide