Characteristic properties of N-Carboxybutyl chitosan

Abstract

N-Carboxybutyl chitosans obtained from levulinic acid (4-oxo-pentanoic acid) and five crustacean chitosans (heteropolymers of N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine) have been instrumentally characterized and found to have degree of N-carboxyalkylation 0·27. They dissolve in water and in water-ethanol mixtures without the need of any acid and give more viscous solutions than the corresponding chitosans. Their compatibility with other polymers and with salts has been surveyed, and the soluble chelates of Cr(III) and Pb(II) have been studied. The bacteriostatic activity of the N-carboxybutyl chitosans, together with other favorable properties, such as the viscosifying action, the enhanced film-forming ability, the moisturizing effect and the stabilization of emulsions, make these novel modified chitosans most suitable as functional cosmetic ingredients.