Synthesis, characterization and bioactivities of N,O-carbonylated chitosan

N,O-Carbonylated chitosan derivative (NTCS) was synthesized via oxidation and substitution reaction, respectively. The carboxyethylation of the polysaccharide was identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Zeta potential measurement and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It is revealed that compared with chitosan (CS), NTCS exhibited an excellent solubility in distilled water, high in vitro bile acid binding capacity, as well as a low viscosity. The in vitro bile acid binding capacity reached 17.21 mg/g, which was 4.5-fold higher than that of CS. The results suggest that NTCS may be useful as a potential functional food supplement in food industry or a key ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. These findings provide important supports for developing new food additive, and expand the scope of application of CS in the food industry.