Chitosan Oligosaccharide(CHO)
Preservatives
Nutritional Enhancers
Antioxidants
unknown (mixture)
β-(1→4)-linked D‑glucosamine oligomers (DP ≤55)
$26.68 ~ $40.02
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is Chitosan Oligosaccharide(CHO)?
Chitosan Oligosaccharide is a highly water-soluble, bioactive low molecular weight polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells, primarily utilized in dietary supplements for immune health and in agriculture as a plant growth regulator and antimicrobial agent.
How is Chitosan Oligosaccharide(CHO) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Dissolving Chitosan | High-purity Chitosan is dissolved in a weak acid solution (e.g., acetic or lactic acid) to create a homogenous solution. Control of Chitosan concentration, acid concentration, and pH is critical for the next step. Raw material must be tested for purity, heavy metals, and Degree of Deacetylation (DDA). |
| 2 | Enzymatic Hydrolysis | Depolymerization Reaction | A specific enzyme (e.g., Chitosanase) is added to the solution to break down the long Chitosan polymer chains into shorter oligosaccharides. This is the most critical step. Key controls are enzyme type and dosage, reaction temperature, pH, and reaction time, which together determine the final molecular weight and properties of the CHO. |
| 3 | Enzyme Inactivation | Stopping the Reaction | The reaction mixture is rapidly heated (e.g., to 95°C) for a specific duration to permanently denature and inactivate the enzyme. This ensures the hydrolysis process is stopped precisely at the desired point to achieve the target molecular weight distribution. |
| 4 | Purification & Decolorization | Filtering and Color Removal | The solution is filtered, often using membrane filtration, to remove the inactivated enzyme and any insoluble impurities. Activated carbon is typically added to decolorize the solution. Control Points: Filter pore size, pressure, and contact time with activated carbon. The goal is a clear, colorless liquid. |
| 5 | Concentration | Water Removal | The purified CHO solution is concentrated by removing water, usually through vacuum evaporation. This method allows for water removal at lower temperatures, preventing thermal degradation of the heat-sensitive oligosaccharides. The process is monitored until a target solid content (Brix) is reached. |
| 6 | Drying | Conversion to Powder | The concentrated liquid is converted into a fine powder, most commonly using spray drying. Key control parameters are the inlet and outlet air temperatures and the feed rate. These must be precisely managed to achieve the desired final moisture content, particle size, and solubility of the powder. |
| 7 | Sieving & Blending | Standardization | The dried CHO powder is passed through a sieve to ensure a uniform and consistent particle size. Different production batches may be blended to guarantee lot-to-lot consistency in final product specifications. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | Final Analysis and Packing | The final powder undergoes rigorous testing for key parameters: molecular weight distribution, purity, moisture content, solubility, microbial counts, and heavy metals. Once approved, it is packaged in airtight, moisture-proof containers to ensure stability. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | unknown (mixture) |
| Chemical Formula | β-(1→4)-linked D‑glucosamine oligomers (DP ≤55) |
| Solubility | soluble in water (acidic) |
| Storage Conditions | store cool dry place <25 °C, protect from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
gut health
immunostimulation
hypoglycemic
antimicrobial
feed additive
plant growth
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Chitosan Oligosaccharide(CHO) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Antimicrobial Agent; Antioxidant; Natural Preservative; Chelating Agent |
| Key Ingredients | Low molecular weight, water-soluble oligomers of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (derived from chitin deacetylation and hydrolysis). |
| Mechanism of Action | The cationic amino groups (-NH3+) electrostatically bind to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, increasing permeability and causing leakage of intracellular components. It chelates essential metal ions (e.g., Fe2+, Cu2+) required for microbial growth and lipid oxidation. Free hydroxyl and amino groups donate hydrogen atoms to scavenge free radicals, terminating oxidative chain reactions. |
| Application Effect in Product | Extends shelf life by inhibiting the growth of spoilage bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Reduces lipid oxidation, preventing off-flavors (rancidity) and color degradation. Maintains quality and safety in beverages, meats, and fresh produce. May act as a prebiotic to support beneficial gut microbiota. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chitosan Oligosaccharide (CHO) | Bio-oligosaccharide, Biostimulant | Low molecular weight, water-soluble, polycationic (positive charge), derived from chitin. | Excellent water solubility. Strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Potent plant defense elicitor. | Higher production cost than parent Chitosan. Efficacy can be pH-dependent. | Agriculture (biopesticide, plant immunity), food preservation, functional feed additives, biomedical applications. | For applications needing high water solubility, direct antimicrobial action, or stimulation of plant immune systems. |
| Chitosan | Biopolymer, Polysaccharide | High molecular weight, insoluble in water, soluble in dilute acid, film-forming. | Lower cost. Excellent film-forming, gelling, and chelating properties. | Poor water solubility limits use. Lower biological activity per unit mass compared to CHO due to large size. | Water treatment (flocculant), wound dressings, edible coatings for fruits, controlled-release carriers. | When film-forming or chelation is the primary goal, cost is a major factor, and solubility in weak acid is acceptable. |
| Alginate Oligosaccharide (AOS) | Bio-oligosaccharide, Biostimulant | Low molecular weight, derived from seaweed (alginate), anionic (negative charge), water-soluble. | Excellent plant growth promoter (especially roots). Sourced from plants (seaweed). Stable across a wide pH range. | Weaker direct antimicrobial activity compared to positively charged CHO. Different mode of action as a plant elicitor. | Agriculture (plant growth stimulant, abiotic stress resistance), functional foods, cosmetics. | For a plant-derived biostimulant focused on promoting plant growth and stress tolerance, especially when a non-animal source is preferred. |
| Pectin Oligosaccharide (POS) | Bio-oligosaccharide, Prebiotic | Low molecular weight, derived from plant pectin, composed of galacturonic acid. | Strong, well-documented prebiotic effects promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Plant-based and widely available source material. | Lacks the strong antimicrobial properties of CHO. Less established as an agricultural biostimulant. | Functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements for gut health, animal feed for digestive health. | For applications primarily focused on prebiotic effects and modulating gut microbiota in humans or animals. |
| Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) | Oligosaccharide, Prebiotic | Short chains of fructose, naturally derived from plants like chicory root, sweet taste. | Highly effective and well-researched prebiotic. Relatively low cost and widely used as a food ingredient. Acts as a low-calorie sweetener. | No antimicrobial or plant elicitor activity. Primarily functions in gut health. May cause bloating in sensitive individuals. | Prebiotic food ingredient (e.g., yogurt, bars), dietary supplements, sugar replacement in food manufacturing. | As a cost-effective, established prebiotic for functional foods where the sole goal is supporting gut flora. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications