From a shell to new biopolymers
Chitin and chitosan - the basis for novel and unique materials
Chitin - tough and yet biocompatible: Chitin is a polysaccharide mainly found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans such as shrimp, lobster or crab but also insects, fungi and algae.
- Chemical name: Poly[(1,4)-N-acetyl-D-glucose-2-amine)]
- Empirical formula: (C8H13NO5)n
Chitosan - what a difference a deacetylation makes...
Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin. It is known for a wide range of outstanding properties resulting in applications from waste water treatment to wound healing.
- Chemical name: Poly[(1,4)-D-glucose-2-amine)]
- Empirical formula: (C6H11NO4)n
The non-toxic properties of chitosan make it suitable for human consumption. Chitosan capsules and powder are marketed as dietary supplements.
Supply of raw materials
Chitin and chitosan derive as waste products from seafood processing industry. Medovent receives raw materials from trusted suppliers that fulfill international standards DIN EN ISO 9001:2000, DIN EN 13485 and GMP guidelines. We strictly monitor the quality of our raw materials for endotoxins, heavy metals and other contaminants.
Processing
The difficulties of processing these biopolymers to complex designs have limited their applications until now. For the first time, Medovent's proprietary technologies allow the manufacture of chitin and chitosan biopolymers to multiple shapes of highest quality. Medovent can adjust mechanical properties to achieve stability and strength comparable to known biodegradable synthetic polymers, while maintaining the intrinsic bioactive properties of the biopolymers.
Medovent can optimise biodegradation features to meet the requirements of a specific application. In contrast to degradation products of many synthetic polymers N-acetyl-glucosamine and glucosamine, the degradation products of chitin and chitosan, respectively, are natural constituents of the human body.
Key features of Medovent's chitin and chitosan biopolymers:
- biocompatible
- biodegradable
- antibacterial
- sterilisable
- processible
Regulation and Approval
Medovent develops and manufactures its chitosan based woundcare products, sutures and implants according to EN ISO 13485:2003. By working closely with our suppliers we guarantee uniformity and highest quality of our raw materials. We undergo rigorous risk assessments when developing new processes. Medovent continuously improves its quality management and quality assurance by routinely monitoring the development processes and production of our chitin and chitosan products. Together with external GMP consultants we guarantee for documentation, data integrity and process control during design, prototyping and serial production.
See the range of Medovent's products made of chitosan.