Relationship between molecular structure and moisture‐retention ability of carboxymethyl chitin and chitosan

Carboxymethyl chitins and chitosans (CM‐chitins, CM‐chitosans) of different substitution sites were prepared under different reaction conditions, and partially depolymerized carboxymethyl chitins of various molecular weights from 24.8 × 10⁴ to 0.26 × 10⁴ were obtained by degrading with chemical reagents. Degree of substitution (DS) was estimated by potentiometric titration. Substitution site was confirmed by infrared and ¹³C‐NMR spectra. Molecular weights were determined with gel permeation chromatography and gel permeation chromatography combined with laser light scattering (GPC‐LLS). Moisture‐absorption and retention abilities of these compounds were tested in comparison with those of hyaluronic acid (HA). The results reveal that 6‐carboxymethyl group in the molecular structure of chitin and chitosan is a main active site responsible for moisture retention. Although carboxymethylation at OH‐3 and N position is not essential, they contribute to the ability. Moisture‐retention ability is also related to molecular weight; that is, higher molecular weight helps to improve moisture‐retention ability. 6‐O‐CM‐chitin (chitosan) with a DS above 0.8 and molecular weight higher than 24.8 × 10⁴ has the potential to substitute for HA for use in cosmetics and clinical medicine. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1233–1241, 2002