INTRODUCTION TO CHITOSAN

Chitosan is a product derived from chitin, a compound of natural origin obtained from the shell of crab
and shellfish. Chitin is an absolutely “safe” material, with a scientifically proved biocompatibility, and it
is used in the medical, health and pharmacological fields too. The chitosan’s structure is very similar to
cellulose, so in blends with cotton and viscose.

From the physical resemblance between chitosan and cellulose derive a very high textile easiness for
manufacturing, with an excellent dye ability with reactive and direct dyestuff, and a very soft “hand”.

The antibacterial and antimicrobic performance is given with the inhibition of the bacteria’s’ growth, so
having an anti-smell function too. The high level of comfort, the anallergicity and the high humidity
absorption (e.g. sweat) give to the clothes realized with this fiber the capability to be used to direct skin
contact, as in underwear, socks, pyjamas, and so on.

WHAT IS CHITIN / CHITOSAN?

Chitin is the natural polysaccharide biologically produced by living creatures on the earth in huge
quantities. Its production is similar to the cellulose, which is biologically produced by plant. 

Chitin and chitosan have a very similar chemical structore to that of cellulose as can be seen per picture
below.

 
Chitin, the base material of Chitosan, is a white and porous polysaccharide that forms a base for the hard
shell of crustaceans like crabs, lobsters and squids. It is also found in:
 

 insects
like dragonflies. grasshoppers and beetles
 
 mushrooms
like shiitake and enokidake
 
 cell wall of fungi

It is also estimated that about 150'000 tons of Chitin is available for commercial use annually. However.
only a few thousand tons are actually used in the world.

As long as Chitin is a natural substance included in food such as crabs, shrimps, mushrooms etc it is quite
a safe material. Its safety has been verified scientifically through many tests.

WHY CHITIN / CHITOSAN?

One point is its high function. It is known that Chitin is biologically produced on the earth in large
quantities and that Chitin has many excellent properties.

Major and basic function is activation of lysozyme and chitinase enzymes which decompose cell
membrane and inhibit growth of disease bacteria. Through this function natural bio system is kept well
balanced and human body is protected against disease bacteria and toxic substances.