Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan – Advanced Plant-Based Biopolymer

What is Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan?
Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan is a modified form of chitosan derived from the cell walls of mushrooms.

Through the introduction of hydroxypropyl groups, this chitosan variant gains enhanced solubility in water and improved functional properties, making it ideal for applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and other industries.

As a plant-based alternative, it is especially suited for vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-sensitive products.

About Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (HPCS)

Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (HPCS) is a derivative of chitosan, created by introducing hydroxypropyl groups into the chitosan molecule, thereby improving its water solubility.

Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (HPCS) is a non-ionic chitosan derivative that dissolves in both water and organic solvents such as ethanol. It retains the alkaline and cationic properties of chitosan while also enhancing its functionalities.

The introduction of hydroxypropyl groups alters the spatial structure of the chitosan molecule, weakening the hydrogen bonds between and within chitosan molecules, which significantly improves its solubility and reactivity.

Additionally, hydroxypropylated HPCS exhibits excellent hygroscopicity, moisture retention, antibacterial properties, and adsorption capacity.

Chemical Structure:

• Chemical Formula: (C6H11NO4)n modified with (C3H7O)x ​
• The hydroxypropylation process involves attaching hydroxypropyl groups to the chitosan molecule, enhancing its solubility and functionality.

CAS Number:

• Hydroxypropyl Chitosan CAS No.: 84069-44-3

Solubility:

• Solubility: Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan is highly soluble in water, unlike standard chitosan, which is generally insoluble. This makes it versatile for use in aqueous formulations.

Degree of Substitution:

• The degree of substitution (DS) refers to the extent to which hydroxypropyl groups are attached to the chitosan backbone. This can be adjusted to enhance specific properties like solubility, viscosity, or film-forming ability.

Specification of Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan:

Analysis Item	Specification
Appearance	Off-white to light yellow powder
Odor & Taste	Characteristic
Degree of Substitution	≥90%
pH Value	5.0-7.0
Viscosity (1% in water, 30ºC)	10-100 cps (mPa.s)
Mesh size	95% pass 80 mesh
Solubility	NLT99% soluble inwater
Moisture	≤10.0%
Heavy Metals As Pb Cd Hg Sum	≤ 2.0 ppm ≤ 1.0 ppm ≤ 0.5 ppm ≤ 0.5 ppm ≤ 20.0 ppm
Microbiological quality Total Plate Count Yeast & Mold E.Coli. Salmonella	<1000cfu/g <100cfu/g Negative Negative

 

Characteristics:

1. Water Solubility:
   HPCS has good water solubility and can form colloidal solutions in water.
2. Biocompatibility and Biodegradability:
   It is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
3. Adhesiveness:
   HPCS exhibits certain viscosity and adhesiveness, making it useful in controlling drug release.
4. Antibacterial Properties:
   It has antibacterial properties, which make it suitable for the production of antibacterial materials.
5. Vegan and Non-Allergenic:
   As a plant-based chitosan, it is suitable for consumers with dietary restrictions and those allergic to shellfish.

Key Properties:

1. Hygroscopicity and Moisture Retention:
   • The introduction of polar hydroxypropyl groups significantly enhances the hydrophilicity of HPCS, making its hygroscopic rate much higher than that of chitosan.
   • This hygroscopicity increases with the degree of substitution (the number of hydroxypropyl groups). The presence of hydroxypropyl groups weakens the crystallinity of HPCS compared to chitosan, allowing water molecules to penetrate more easily and remain bound to the polymer chain, thereby improving moisture retention.
2. Antibacterial Properties:
   • The antibacterial activity of HPCS is primarily due to the -NH2 groups in its structure. In solution, these groups can bind with free hydrogen ions (H+) to form -NH3+ cations, which can interact with the negatively charged components of bacterial cell walls. This interaction disrupts the natural balance of cell wall synthesis and dissolution, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. HPCS’s antibacterial properties are mainly utilized in textile preservation and material protection.
3. Adsorption Capacity:
   • HPCS’s adsorption capacity is based on two main mechanisms:
     • Electrostatic Adsorption: Similar to chitosan, HPCS can form -NH3+ in solution, creating positively charged regions that can attract and bind negatively charged ions or groups.
     • Crystalline Adsorption: HPCS is a polymer with good crystallinity, and like chitosan, it forms crystals with various pore sizes that can trap ions. In liquid environments, HPCS can form gels that further enhance its ability to adsorb ions.
4. Other Properties and Applications:
   • Gelation and Compatibility: HPCS has excellent gelation properties and compatibility with other substances. It can be used to create polymeric nanocolloids or cross-linked with other organic molecules to form new nanocolloidal particles. These nanoparticles have good water solubility and can improve the bioavailability and efficacy of poorly soluble drugs. They can also enhance the stability of unstable drugs.

Applications:

1. Drug Delivery Systems:
   • HPCS can be used as a carrier in drug delivery systems to control the release rate and duration of drugs, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy.
2. Wound Dressings:
   • Due to its strong adhesiveness, HPCS is suitable for use in wound dressings, promoting wound healing.
3. Bioadhesives:
   • HPCS can be used to create bioadhesives with good adhesion and biocompatibility, useful in tissue bonding and repair.
4. Antibacterial Materials:
   • HPCS can be used to produce antibacterial materials such as antibacterial films and fibers.
5. Cosmetics:
   • HPCS is mainly used as a moisturizing agent in cosmetics, especially in lotions.
   • Skin Care: Offers moisturizing and film-forming properties, making it ideal for lotions, creams, and serums. It also helps to stabilize emulsions and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
   • Hair Care: Improves hair texture and shine, and can be used in shampoos and conditioners for its conditioning properties.
6. Food Industry:
   • It can be used as a food preservative to extend the shelf life of food products, especially fruits and vegetables, by leveraging its antibacterial properties.
   • Preservative: Acts as a natural preservative due to its antimicrobial properties, extending the shelf life of food products.
   • Thickening Agent: Used to improve the texture and stability of food products, enhancing mouthfeel and consistency.
7. Paper Industry:
   • In paper manufacturing, HPCS can enhance hydrogen bonding between paper fibers. The amino groups in the HPCS act as ionic bonds with the carboxyl groups on the fiber surface, thereby increasing the physical strength of the paper.
   • Research has shown that treating paper with HPCS can increase its tensile strength by 30%-85% and its folding endurance by 20%-37%, with the most significant improvements observed at an HPCS concentration of 20%.
8. Agriculture:
   • Plant Growth Stimulant: Promotes plant growth and increases resilience, making it useful in biofertilizers and soil conditioners.
   • Biopesticide: Offers a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Summary: Compared to chitosan, Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (HPCS) offers superior hygroscopicity, moisture retention, antibacterial properties, adsorption capacity, and cross-linking capabilities. HPCS has significant research and application value in various fields, including cosmetics, food preservation, textile antibacterial treatments, paper conservation, and drug delivery systems. As a derivative of the natural polysaccharide chitosan, HPCS is biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from the harmful effects associated with synthetic chemicals, making it a safer and more eco-friendly option.

 

Preparation Method:

1. Add 2g of chitosan to a three-neck flask, followed by 15ml of sodium hydroxide solution and 24ml of isopropanol.
2. Stir the mixture at room temperature for 1 hour.
3. Slowly add an excess of propylene oxide while stirring at 65°C for 5 hours.
4. After the reaction, cool the mixture to room temperature, adjust the pH to 7 with hydrochloric acid, and precipitate the product with acetone.
5. Filter the precipitate, wash it several times with anhydrous ethanol, and dry it under vacuum at 60°C to obtain hydroxypropyl chitosan.

 

Why Choose Us? (>>See more about us)

• Expertise: With over 8 years of experience, Chibio Biotech is a leading provider of high-quality vegetal chitosan, trusted by clients worldwide.
• Certified Quality: Our products are ISO 22000:2018, Halal, Kosher, and Organic certified, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards.   (>>See more about our certificates)
• Customized Solutions: We offer bespoke chitosan solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best performance for your applications.
• Global Reach: Serving customers in over 50 countries, we have the expertise and capacity to support your business wherever you are.

 

Why your businesses consider using vegetal chitosan?

Using vegetal chitosan in your applications or formulations offers significant benefits to businesses, as outlined below:

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Vegetal chitosan is derived from plant sources such as mushrooms and fungi, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based chitosan. This aligns with growing consumer demand for green and eco-friendly products​​.
2. Non-Allergenic and Vegan-Friendly: Unlike crustacean-derived chitosan, vegetal chitosan does not trigger shellfish allergies and is suitable for vegan and vegetarian consumers. This widens the market reach for products formulated with vegetal chitosan​.
3. Versatility and Superior Functionality: Vegetal chitosan offers excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties. These attributes enhance its utility across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, and agriculture​​​.
4. Enhanced Product Performance: In many applications, vegetal chitosan improves product qualities such as moisture retention, antimicrobial efficacy, and barrier properties. This leads to better-performing end products, such as longer shelf-life for food items or improved durability and functionality in textiles​​.
5. Market Differentiation: Incorporating vegetal chitosan allows companies to differentiate their products by promoting natural, sustainable, and allergen-free claims, which are increasingly valued by health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers​​.

In summary, using vegetal chitosan can help your businesses enhance their product offerings, meet consumer demands for sustainable and non-allergenic ingredients, and improve your overall market positioning.

Discover the benefits of Mushroom Hydroxypropyl Chitosan today! Contact us for more details or to request a custom quote.