Chitosan hydrochloride is a water-soluble derivative formed by the reaction of chitosan with hydrochloric acid. Through protonation by hydrochloric acid, the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in chitosan are disrupted, enabling direct dissolution in water. It retains chitosan’s core properties such as biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, while exhibiting enhanced stability and functionality better suited for industrial applications. As a trusted producer of chitosan hydrochloride, Tianya Chemical delivers high-performance chitosan hydrochloride, designed to meet the diverse needs of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture.
Characteristics of Chitosan Hydrochloride
Compared to natural chitosan, hydrochloric acid modification offers significant advantages:
High Water Solubility: Chitosan hydrochloride can dissolve in neutral, weakly acidic, and even weakly alkaline aqueous solutions to form stable transparent solutions with concentrations up to 5%-10%. Facilitates processing into solutions, gels, coatings, etc.
Strong Antibacterial Activity: Positively charged amino groups (-NH₃⁺) in the molecules of chitosan hydrochloride adsorb negatively charged bacterial cell membranes via electrostatic interactions, disrupting membrane integrity. Exhibits potent inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi, with higher efficiency than unmodified chitosan.
Biosafety: The degradation products of chitosan hydrochloride are glucosamine and chloride ions—non-toxic and minimally irritating to skin/mucosa. Fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Film-Forming and Adsorptive Properties: Easily forms uniform, tough films with good breathability and mechanical strength. Amino and hydroxyl groups in molecules of chitosan hydrochloride can adsorb heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺) or organic pollutants through chelation, providing purification capabilities.
Primary Applications of Chitosan Hydrochloride
Pharmaceutical and Medical Fields
Wound Dressings and Gels: Chitosan hydrochloride can be create medical gels, sponges, or biodegradable dressings for skin wound care by utilizing water solubility and antibacterial properties. Chitosan hydrochloride solutions forms protective films when applied to wounds, inhibiting bacterial infection while promoting epithelial cell proliferation to accelerate healing.
Drug Carrier: Chitosan hydrochloride can serve as an oral or injectable drug carrier. Excellent water solubility improves drug dispersibility and bioavailability. Acts as a sustained-release carrier to prolong drug action time.
Oral Care: Chitosan hydrochloride can be added to mouthwashes or oral ulcer gels to inhibit oral pathogens through antibacterial activity, alleviating gingivitis and oral ulcer symptoms without irritating oral mucosa.
Food Industry
Food Preservation and Freshness Retention: Chitosan hydrochloride can function as a natural preservative for meat products, aquatic products, and beverages.
Food Additive: Chitosan hydrochloride can serve as a thickener, clarifier, or stabilizer in condiments and beverages. Excellent water solubility ensures uniform dispersion, improves food texture, and imparts no off-flavors.
Heavy Metal Adsorbent: Chitosan hydrochloride can adsorbs lead, mercury, and other heavy metal ions via chelation during food processing, reducing heavy metal content and enhancing safety.
Daily Chemicals and Environmental Protection
Skincare Products and Detergents:
In skincare: Chitosan hydrochloride can act as a humectant and antibacterial agent, adsorbing moisture to form hydrating films while inhibiting *Propionibacterium acnes*; suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin formulations.
In detergents: Chitosan hydrochloride can enhances emulsification of oil stains; antibacterial properties reduce bacterial residue on cleaned surfaces.
Wastewater Treatment: Strong adsorption of heavy metal ions and organic dyes enables use as a water treatment agent for industrial wastewater purification.
Agriculture and Feed Sectors
Plant Disease Resistance and Growth Promoter: Water solubility facilitates root absorption. Chitosan hydrochloride induces plants to produce phytoalexins and thicken cell walls, enhancing crop resistance to fungal diseases. Simultaneously promotes root development and nutrient absorption efficiency.
Feed Additive: Chitosan hydrochloride acts as an immune enhancer and gut regulator in livestock/poultry feed. Antibacterial properties inhibit harmful gut bacteria while promoting beneficial bacteria proliferation, improving gut microecology. Degradation product glucosamine promotes intestinal mucosal repair and enhances feed conversion rates.
Advantages of Chitosan Hydrochloride Applications
High Functionality: Combines high water solubility with strong antibacterial and adsorptive properties, adapting to multi-scenario demands—especially suitable for solution-based or high-efficiency antibacterial applications.
Cost-Effectiveness: Mature preparation process and low raw material costs enable large-scale industrial production.
Safety and Eco-Friendliness: Naturally sourced and biodegradable, avoiding toxic residue issues associated with synthetic preservatives/antibacterial agents.
Tianya Chemical specializes in producing chitosan hydrochloride, leveraging advanced modification technologies to ensure each batch meets strict standards for purity, solubility, and activity. We offer flexible supply options, from small research quantities to large industrial orders, and provide technical support to optimize its use in specific applications. For businesses seeking reliable chitosan hydrochloride solutions, Tianya Chemical delivers consistent quality and tailored support to drive success in your industry.
Package & Storage
Package: 25 Kg fiber drum
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light. The shelf life: 24 months.
Technical Documents
Chitosan Hydrochloride Specifications
