Description
Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) is a unique, water-soluble oligosaccharide derived from chitin, offering superior bioactivity and functionality. With a typical molecular weight of approximately 3,000 Da and a chemical formula of (C6H11NO4)n, COS is also known as chitin oligose or β-(1,4)-2-acyl-2-deoxy-D-glucan. This compound is characterized by its high degree of deacetylation (≥90%) and degree of polymerization below 20, resulting in excellent solubility, stability, and absorption.
Unlike many carbohydrates, COS possesses a distinctive alkaline nature and does not generate heat upon metabolism, making it a rare form of functional animal cellulose. It appears as a light yellow to yellow powder with a characteristic odor and slightly sour taste. This food-grade COS complies with international safety standards, with heavy metal content controlled to ≤2.0 mg/kg for lead and ≤1.0 mg/kg for arsenic, and maintains a pH of 5.0–7.0.
CAS No.: 148411-57-8
EC No.: 604-631-8
Molecular Weight: 3,000 max. (Da)
Source: Crab shell
Standard: Food grade, Enterprise
Specification:
Appearance: Light yellow powder
Taste and Smell: Characteristic odor, slightly sour taste
Impurities: No visible foreign matter
Molecular Weight (Da): 340 ~ 1,610
Degree of Deacetylation (DAC): 90.0% min
Purity: 90.0% min.
Insoluble substance: 0.5% max.
pH Value: 5 ~ 7
Moisture: 10.0% max.
Ash: 1% max.
Lead [Pb]: 2 ppm max.
Arsenic [As]: 1 ppm max.
Hexavalent Chromium [Cr6+]: 0.5 ppm max.
Cadmium [Cd] : 0.4ppm max.
Mercury [Hg]: 0.1ppm max.
Key Features:
1) Lower molecular weight (340–1,610 Da) for enhanced bioavailability
2) Degree of polymerization <20 with exceptional alkaline nature
3) High deacetylation rate (≥90%) and purity (≥90%)
4) Non-thermogenic (does not produce heat) — rare among oligosaccharides
5) Excellent water solubility and absorption
6) Complies with food-grade safety and purity standards
Applications:
1) Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals: Enhances gut health, immune modulation, metabolic balance, and weight control.
2) Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a biocompatible carrier for drug delivery systems and active compound formulation.
3) Agriculture: Promotes plant growth, improves disease resistance, and enhances crop resilience to environmental stress.
4) Biotechnology: Utilized in enzyme immobilization, fermentation processes, and bioactive material development.