What Is Chitosan Oligosaccharide?
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder is a low-molecular-weight, water-soluble bioactive compound derived from chitosan through controlled enzymatic degradation. Unlike high-molecular-weight chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharide features superior water solubility and significantly enhanced biological activity, making it far more bioavailable and versatile across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Produced through precision enzymatic hydrolysis, chitosan oligosaccharide retains the core structural advantages of its parent compound while offering improved compatibility with aqueous formulations — a critical factor for manufacturers and formulators working in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural sectors.
Extract Makers supplies pharmaceutical-grade, food-grade, feed-grade, and agricultural-grade Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder to clients in over 30 countries, backed by rigorous in-house quality control and internationally recognized certifications.
Production Process & Raw Material Sourcing
Chitosan oligosaccharide is derived from chitosan, which is itself obtained through the deacetylation of chitin — a natural biopolymer primarily sourced from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab. The enzymatic degradation process used to produce chitosan oligosaccharide is tightly controlled to yield consistent molecular weight distribution, purity levels, and biological activity across every batch.
The enzymatic hydrolysis method offers several advantages over chemical hydrolysis, including:
- Milder reaction conditions that preserve bioactive integrity
- Precise molecular weight control within defined target ranges
- Higher product purity with reduced risk of chemical residuals
- More consistent batch-to-batch reproducibility — essential for B2B procurement
All production takes place in a GMP-compliant manufacturing facility equipped with modern analytical instrumentation to monitor every critical parameter throughout the manufacturing process.
Key Physical & Chemical Properties
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder is characterized by the following general attributes:
- Appearance: Light yellowish to off-white or yellow powder (varies by grade)
- Solubility: Fully water-soluble, unlike high-molecular-weight chitosan
- Molecular Weight: 300–3,000 Da depending on grade
- Specification (Oligosaccharide Content): ≥90%
- Viscosity: <10 cps (low-viscosity for easy formulation)
- pH Range: 4–7 depending on grade
- Biological Activity: High — attributed to free amino groups and degree of deacetylation
Its low molecular weight and complete water solubility distinguish it from standard chitosan and make it uniquely suited for pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, functional food applications, and foliar agricultural sprays.
Product Grades & Specifications
Extract Makers offers Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder in three primary grades, each optimized for specific end-use applications:
| Grade | Appearance | Specification | Molecular Weight (Da) | Ash | pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Grade | Light Yellowish to Off-white Powder | ≥90% | 300–1,600 | ≤1% | 5–7 |
| Agricultural Grade | Light Yellow to Off-white Powder | ≥90% | 1,000–2,000 | ≤2% | 4–7 |
| Feed Grade | Yellow Powder | ≥90% | 2,000–3,000 | ≤3% | 5–7 |
Custom molecular weight fractions and specifications are available upon request for clients with specific formulation requirements.
Certificate of Analysis — Agricultural Grade Chitosan Oligosaccharide
The following represents a representative Certificate of Analysis (COA) for our Agricultural Grade Chitosan Oligosaccharide:
| Parameter | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Reference | USP32 | — |
| Appearance | Light Yellow Powder | Conforms |
| Grade | Agricultural Grade | — |
| Test Method | HPLC | — |
| Specification (Purity) | ≥90% | Conforms |
| pH | 3–7 | Conforms |
| Viscosity | <10 cps | Conforms |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤3 mg/kg (USP37 <233>) | Conforms |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 mg/kg (USP37 <233>) | Conforms |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 mg/kg (USP37 <233>) | Conforms |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 mg/kg (USP37 <233>) | Conforms |
| Total Plate Count | ≤3,000 cfu/g (USP37 <61>) | 600 cfu/g |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 cfu/g (USP37 <61>) | 56 cfu/g |
| GMO Status | GMO-Free | Conforms |
| Additives | No artificial flavors or colors | Conforms |
| Shelf Life | 2 years | — |
| Storage | Cool, dry, sealed, away from direct sunlight | — |
| Exported Markets | USA, Canada, Australia, Middle East, Europe, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and 30+ additional countries | — |
Full COA documentation, third-party laboratory test reports, and product specification sheets are available upon request.
Functional Benefits & Biological Activity
Chitosan oligosaccharide has been the subject of extensive scientific research due to its diverse functional properties. Its low molecular weight and high degree of deacetylation contribute to a broad spectrum of bioactivities that make it valuable across multiple industries.
Immune Modulation
Chitosan oligosaccharide has demonstrated immunostimulatory properties, supporting innate immune responses in both animal and human applications. This makes it a sought-after ingredient in nutraceutical and veterinary formulations targeting immune health.
Antimicrobial Activity
The cationic nature of chitosan oligosaccharide allows it to interact with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, disrupting membrane integrity and inhibiting microbial growth. This antimicrobial mechanism is relevant across food preservation, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and veterinary applications.
Antioxidant Properties
Chitosan oligosaccharide exhibits free radical scavenging activity, contributing to its use in anti-aging cosmetics and functional foods designed to reduce oxidative stress.
Metabolic Regulation
Research indicates potential in supporting healthy blood lipid and blood glucose levels, positioning chitosan oligosaccharide as a relevant ingredient for metabolic health supplement formulations.
Prebiotic Potential
As a soluble oligosaccharide, it may support beneficial gut microbiota, adding value in the functional food and nutraceutical segments where gut health is a growing priority.
Industry Applications
Food & Beverage Industry
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder is used in functional food and beverage formulations for its ability to:
- Enhance absorption of nutrients and essential minerals
- Function as a natural antimicrobial and preservative to extend shelf life
- Support gut health and digestion as a prebiotic ingredient
- Reduce oxidative degradation in food products
Its water solubility makes it directly compatible with beverages, dietary supplements, and functional food systems without the processing challenges associated with standard chitosan.
Agriculture & Crop Protection
In agriculture, chitosan oligosaccharide plays a role as a biostimulant and soil health agent:
- Regulates soil microbiome composition to support crop health
- Elicits natural plant defense responses (systemic resistance)
- Promotes seed germination and root development
- Functions as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides in integrated crop management
Agricultural grade formulations are designed for use in foliar sprays, seed treatments, and soil applications.
Animal Feed & Nutrition
Chitosan oligosaccharide is incorporated into animal feed formulations to:
- Improve intestinal microbiota balance
- Enhance immune response and disease resistance
- Optimize feed utilization efficiency
- Reduce dependence on antibiotic growth promoters — a critical consideration given global regulatory trends on antibiotic use in animal agriculture
Veterinary Medicine
In veterinary pharmaceutical applications, chitosan oligosaccharide serves as:
- An antibacterial functional ingredient
- A complementary wound-healing material supporting tissue regeneration
- A blood lipid-modulating agent in companion animal and livestock health products
Cosmetics & Personal Care
The cosmetic industry values chitosan oligosaccharide for its multifunctional activity:
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through moisturizing and film-forming properties
- Inhibits bacteria to maintain skin microbiome balance
- Provides UV-protective support in sun care formulations
- Strengthens and conditions hair in hair care product applications
Its water solubility gives it a significant formulation advantage over high-molecular-weight chitosan in cosmetic systems.
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Applications
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product development, chitosan oligosaccharide is explored as:
- An immunomodulatory ingredient in dietary supplements
- A blood sugar and lipid-regulating functional material
- A hepatoprotective agent supporting liver function
- A pulmonary health-supporting ingredient
Its high bioavailability relative to chitosan makes it particularly appropriate for oral supplement applications.
Quality Standards & Certifications
Extract Makers operates from a GMP-certified manufacturing facility with a fully integrated quality management system. All batches of Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder are produced under controlled conditions and subjected to comprehensive testing before release.
Our facility holds the following certifications:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System)
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- Kosher Certified
- Halal Certified
- FDA Facility Registration
These certifications reflect our commitment to delivering raw materials that meet the sourcing requirements of regulated markets including the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East.
Packaging Options
Extract Makers provides flexible packaging configurations to meet the needs of R&D laboratories, contract manufacturers, distributors, and bulk importers:
- Small/Sample Packaging: 10 g – 20 g (for quality evaluation)
- Standard Bags: 1 kg – 5 kg aluminum foil bags
- Carton Packaging: 10 kg – 20 kg cartons
- Fiber Drums: 10 kg – 30 kg fiber drums for bulk orders
Private Label Packaging
We offer private label packaging services for clients who wish to retail or distribute Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder under their own brand. Custom labeling with your logo, design specifications, and regulatory text can be applied directly at our facility, eliminating the need for downstream repackaging and significantly reducing time-to-market.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture
- Storage Conditions: Store in a well-sealed container at constant low temperature, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources
- Recommended Storage Environment: Cool, dry warehouse environment; avoid exposure to high humidity
Proper storage is essential to maintaining the bioactivity, solubility, and microbiological quality of the product throughout its shelf life.
Shipping & Logistics
Extract Makers ships Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder to customers worldwide with flexible logistics options:
- Express Courier (under 1 ton): DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, and other international express services
- Railway Freight: Available for larger shipments to applicable destinations
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): Cost-effective solution for bulk orders exceeding 1 ton
All shipments are accompanied by complete documentation including COA, MSDS, packing list, commercial invoice, and any required regulatory certificates.
Free Samples Available
We offer complimentary product samples — typically 10 g to 20 g — to allow procurement teams, formulators, and quality assurance departments to evaluate product quality before committing to a bulk order. Sample availability for certain high-cost grades is subject to confirmation.
To request a sample or obtain a detailed product specification sheet, please contact our team at [email protected].
After-Sales Support & Quality Guarantee
Extract Makers stands behind every product we ship. Our after-sales policy includes:
- Quality guarantee for the full 2-year shelf life under proper storage conditions
- Hassle-free return policy: If any product does not meet agreed specifications, we will issue a refund based on the quantity of verified returned goods
- Dedicated account support for ongoing technical questions, reformulation assistance, and regulatory documentation needs
Why Source Chitosan Oligosaccharide Powder from Extract Makers?
- Established global supply chain serving 30+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East
- Multi-grade product portfolio covering food, agricultural, feed, and pharmaceutical applications
- GMP-certified, ISO-compliant production with full traceability from raw material to finished product
- Competitive bulk pricing with flexible minimum order quantities
- Responsive technical and commercial support from inquiry through delivery
- Full documentation package supporting import compliance in regulated markets
Contact Us for Bulk Pricing & Samples
Whether you are a dietary supplement manufacturer, agricultural input distributor, cosmetic ingredient buyer, pharmaceutical raw material importer, or private label brand owner, Extract Makers has the manufacturing capacity, certification infrastructure, and product expertise to support your sourcing requirements.
Contact us today or send your inquiry to [email protected] to receive a competitive wholesale quotation, request free samples, or discuss specific product requirements and shipping arrangements.
Notice: Our product catalog encompasses more than 2,000 raw material ingredients, many of which are not individually listed on our website. If you are looking for a specific ingredient not shown here, please reach out directly — we will do our best to assist you.
