Direct deposition of chitosan macromolecules on a substrate from solutions in supercritical carbon dioxide: Solubility and conformational analysis

► Isolated chitosan chains are deposited from solutions in SC CO2 on a substrate. ► Macromolecular conformation is revealed using atomic force microscopy. ► Good mechanical properties of the coatings as deposited from SC CO2 are expected. ► Solubility of chitosan materials in SC CO2 is roughly estimated.