Carboxymethyl chitosan is a water-soluble derivative obtained through carboxymethyl modification of chitosan. By introducing carboxymethyl groups onto the hydroxyl or amino groups of chitosan molecular chains, it not only significantly enhances water solubility but also confers stronger hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and functional diversity. Carboxymethyl chitosan demonstrates unique application value across multiple fields. As a leading manufacturer of chitosan derivatives, Tianya Chemical produces high-quality carboxymethyl chitosan, tailored to meet the specialized needs of industries from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.
Characteristics of Carboxymethyl Chitosan
Compared to natural chitosan and other derivatives, carboxymethyl chitosan exhibits prominent modification advantages:
Broad-Spectrum Water Solubility: Carboxymethyl chitosan is soluble in acidic, neutral, and weakly alkaline solutions, with solubility increasing with higher carboxymethyl substitution degrees. Capable of forming high-concentration transparent solutions, facilitating processing into various forms.
Strong Hydrophilicity and Moisture Retention: Carboxymethyl groups are polar, binding water molecules via hydrogen bonds. Moisture retention capacity far exceeds that of chitosan and even traditional humectants, enabling long-lasting water locking.
Biocompatibility and Biodegradability: Degradation products of carboxymethyl chitosan include low-molecular-weight carboxymethyl chitosan and glucosamine—non-toxic, non-immunogenic, minimally irritating to cells and tissues, and fully biodegradable. Environmentally friendly.
Ion Chelation and Film-Forming Properties: Carboxyl and amino groups in molecules chelate various metal ions. Easily forms flexible, breathable films with mechanical strength superior to chitosan hydrochloride.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Carboxymethyl chitosan Inhibits pathogens by disrupting bacterial cell membranes while modulating inflammatory factors, offering dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Primary Applications of Carboxymethyl Chitosan
Pharmaceutical and Medical Fields
Wound Repair Materials: Utilizes water solubility, moisture retention, and anti-inflammatory properties to create gels, sponges, or sprays for burn, ulcer, and pressure sore wound care.
Drug and Bioactive Substance Carrier: Serves as an oral or topical drug carrier. Excellent water solubility improves drug dispersibility and bioavailability.
Ophthalmic and Mucosal Care: Formulated into eye drops or nasal gels. The adhesive properties of carboxymethyl chitosan can prolong drug retention on ocular surfaces or nasal mucosa, while moisturizing effects alleviate dry eye syndrome and nasal mucosa dryness without irritation.
Cosmetics and Daily Chemical Fields
Moisturizing and Repair Skincare Products: Core application in toners, creams, and masks. Carboxymethyl groups lock moisture via hydrogen bonds, delivering long-lasting hydration. Carboxymethyl chitosan can promote skin barrier repair and enhances function—ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Hair Care Products: Carboxymethyl chitosan can be added to shampoos and conditioners. Molecules adsorb onto hair surfaces, forming protective films to reduce cuticle damage, improve dryness and split ends, while enhancing softness and shine.
Antibacterial Cleansing Products:Carboxymethyl chitosan can be incorporated into hand washes and body washes to inhibit skin pathogens with mild, non-irritating effects—suitable for children or sensitive populations.
Food Industry
Food Preservation and Coatings: Utilizes film-forming and antibacterial properties to create edible coatings for fruits, vegetables, and meat preservation.
Food Additive: Functions as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in dairy products, beverages, and jellies. Excellent water solubility of carboxymethyl chitosan can ensure uniform dispersion and texture improvement without affecting flavor.
Heavy Metal Chelator: carboxymethyl chitosan can reduces heavy metal content in food via carboxyl-heavy metal ion chelation during processing, enhancing safety.
Agriculture and Environmental Protection
Plant Growth Regulator and Stress Resistance Agent: Water solubility facilitates plant absorption. Carboxymethyl chitosan can promote crop root development and photosynthesis for higher yields; induces stress resistance, reducing pesticide usage.
Feed Additive: Carboxymethyl chitosan can acts as an immune enhancer in livestock/poultry feed. Water solubility aids animal absorption, promoting beneficial gut bacteria proliferation while inhibiting harmful bacteria to improve intestinal microecology. Carboxymethyl groups chelate heavy metals in feed, reducing animal accumulation and enhancing meat/egg quality.
Wastewater Treatment: Carboxymethyl chitosan can adsorb heavy metal ions and organic pollutants via carboxyl/amino chelation, especially effective for electroplating and dyeing wastewater. Adsorption efficiency exceeds 90%, with biodegradable adsorbents causing no secondary pollution.
Other Fields
Textile Industry: Carboxymethyl chitosan can serve as a fabric finishing agent, imparting antibacterial, moisturizing, and anti-wrinkle properties.
Paper Industry: Carboxymethyl chitosan can Function as a paper strengthening and sizing agent, improving tensile strength and burst resistance while providing antibacterial properties.
Advantages of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Applications
Full-Range Water Solubility: Carboxymethyl chitosan solve chitosan’s insolubility in neutral/alkaline conditions, adapting to aqueous solution-based scenarios.
Multifunctionality: Integrates moisture retention, antibacterial action, chelation, and film-forming capabilities, replacing multiple synthetic chemical additives.
High Safety: Carboxymethyl chitosan is naturally sourced with non-toxic degradation products. Certified as food grade and pharmaceutical grade for direct human contact or food use with minimal application restrictions.
Tianya Chemical specializes in carboxymethyl chitosan production, combining advanced modification technologies with strict quality control to ensure consistent purity and performance. We offer flexible supply options, from small samples to bulk orders, and provide technical support to optimize its use in specific applications. For reliable carboxymethyl chitosan solutions, Tianya Chemical stands as a trusted partner across industries.
Package & Storage
Package: 25 Kg fiber drum
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light. The shelf life: 24 months.
