摘要 |
The present invention discloses a method of producing modified, derivatized chitosans which produce viscous aqueous liquids when dispersed (solublized) in compatible aqueous liquids. The method comprises reacting chitosan in an acidic solution with an aldehyde-group containing chemical modifier at an elevated temperature wherein the concentration of chitosan in the acidic solution and the reaction time at the elevated temperature are sufficient to produce a semi-solid gel. The preferred chemical modifier is one or more saccharides containing less than about 10 saccharide units, most preferably lactose. The preferred reaction temperature is greater than about 60° C., and the preferred concentration of chitosan is at least about 1.43% w/v. The invention also discloses the acidic chitosan-containing concentrates prepared by the method, and the viscous acidic fluids prepared by dispersing/solubilizing the concentrates in aqueous liquids. |