Chitosan Oligosaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) are low‐molecular‐weight fragments derived from the deacetylation of chitin, a natural polysaccharide found in crustacean shells and fungal cell walls. Their degree of polymerisation typically ranges from two to twenty monomeric units, conferring water solubility and a versatile biological profile. In the gastrointestinal tract, COS exert multifaceted actions: they enhance epithelial barrier integrity through upregulation of tight junction proteins, modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, and act as prebiotic substrates that selectively promote beneficial microbes. Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities further contribute to mucosal protection and repair. Emerging evidence indicates that COS mitigate intestinal inflammation, support nutrient absorption, and may reduce risk of colorectal neoplasia by reshaping the microbiota–host axis. Their biocompatibility and safety profile underpin growing interest in dietary and therapeutic applications for human and veterinary health.

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Chitosan Oligosaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health publication trend

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Technical terms

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS): Short chains of glucosamine and N‐acetylglucosamine derived from chitin, noted for solubility and bioactivity in the gut.

Tight junction proteins: Transmembrane and scaffolding proteins (for example, claudins and occludin) that seal spaces between epithelial cells to regulate permeability.

Gut microbiota: The complex community of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, influencing immunity and metabolism.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Microbial fermentation products of dietary fibres and oligosaccharides, including acetate, propionate and butyrate, which fuel colonocytes and modulate immune responses.

Prebiotic: A substrate selectively utilised by host microorganisms conferring health benefits, such as promoting growth of beneficial bacteria.

References

1. Biological Effects and Applications of Chitosan and Chito-Oligosaccharides. Frontiers in Physiology (2019).
2. Exploring Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Mice Gut Microbiota in in vitro Fermentation and Animal Model. Frontiers in Microbiology (2018).
3. Chitooligosaccharides Prevents the Development of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Modulating the Intestinal Microbiota and Mycobiota. Frontiers in Microbiology (2019).
4. Butyrate modifies intestinal barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells through a selective upregulation of tight junction proteins and activation of the Akt signaling pathway. PLOS ONE (2017).