Physical changes of chitin and chitosan in canine gastrointestinal tract

Abstract Physical changes of chitin and chitosan were evaluated in canine gastrointestinal tract. Chitin and chitosan were packed into nylon bags (3×1 cm 2 , 45 μm mesh) and administered orally, and then the bags were recovered from the feces. Chitosan bags were also inserted surgically into the jejunum and colon. The changes in the weight of the bags were evaluated. Chitosan was decreased to