Non-Animal Derived Chitosan (Acid-Soluble) is a premium vegan biopolymer produced from fungal chitin obtained from either Mushroom or Aspergillus niger mycelium. Developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional shellfish-derived chitosan, it offers excellent functionality while remaining completely free from animal-derived ingredients and crustacean allergens.

This food-grade chitosan features a deacetylation degree of ≥90%, high acid solubility, and controlled viscosity, making it suitable for a wide range of food, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. When dissolved in dilute organic acids, it provides outstanding film-forming, thickening, chelating, encapsulation, and antimicrobial properties.

Available in both Mushroom-Origin and Fungal-Origin (Aspergillus niger) variants, this product enables manufacturers to meet vegan, vegetarian, clean-label, and sustainability requirements without compromising performance.

Product Identification

Product Name: Non-Animal Derived Chitosan, Acid-Soluble
Grade: Food Grade
Origin: Non-Animal / Vegan
Source Options: Mushroom / Aspergillus niger Mycelium
CAS No.: 9012-76-4
EC No.: 222-311-2
Synonyms:
Vegetal Chitosan
Vegan Chitosan
Deacetylated Chitin
Poly(D-glucosamine)
β-(1→4)-2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose Polymer
Fungal Chitosan
Mushroom Chitosan

Specifications

>Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to light yellow powder
Deacetylation Degree (DAC): ≥90.0%
Acid Solubility: ≥99.0%
Viscosity: 20–100 cps
Particle Size: ≥95% pass 100 mesh
Ash: ≤1.0%
Bulk Density: 0.20–0.40 g/cm³
Odor & Taste: Neutral, characteristic

>Heavy Metals
Lead (Pb): ≤2.0 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤2.0 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): ≤0.2 ppm
Mercury (Hg): ≤0.2 ppm

>Solubility Characteristics
Soluble in dilute organic acids (pH ≤ 6.0)
Insoluble in water at neutral pH
Insoluble in alkaline solutions

>Allergen Status
Shellfish-Free
Suitable for Vegan and Vegetarian Formulations

Key Features

1) Completely Non-Animal Derived
Produced from fungal chitin without the use of shellfish or animal-derived raw materials, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian products.
2) Excellent Acid Solubility
Readily dissolves in dilute organic acids, providing reliable performance in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic formulations.
3) Film-Forming & Thickening Functionality
Creates transparent films and enhances texture, viscosity, and stability in various systems.
4) Natural Chelating Properties
Capable of binding metal ions, fats, and other compounds, making it useful in functional foods and dietary supplements.
5) Biocompatible & Biodegradable
A naturally derived polymer suitable for clean-label and environmentally responsible formulations.
6) Shellfish-Free Alternative
Provides the functionality of traditional chitosan without introducing crustacean allergens.
7) Sustainable Ingredient Solution
Supports plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious product development.

Applications
1) Food & Beverage

• Edible coatings for fruits and vegetables
• Beverage stabilization
• Texture enhancement
• Natural thickening systems
• Film-forming food ingredients

2) Dietary Supplements

• Fat-binding formulations
• Functional fiber products
• Mineral chelation systems
• Weight management supplements

3) Encapsulation & Delivery Systems

• Controlled-release formulations
• Nutrient encapsulation
• Protection of sensitive active ingredients
  

4) Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Film-forming skincare products
• Moisturizing formulations
• Hair care products
• Skin conditioning systems
  

5) Pharmaceutical Applications

• Tablet coatings
• Biocompatible excipients
• Drug delivery matrices

6) Shelf-Life Enhancement

• Natural antimicrobial functionality
• Surface protection systems
• Product preservation support

Packaging & Storage

Packaging: 25 kg net carton or fiber drum, or customized packaging upon request
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
Recommended Conditions: Below 25°C and RH below 60%
Shelf Life: 24 months in original unopened packaging