Frequently Asked Questions

KitOzyme’s Health & Care platform covers nutraceuticals (cardiometabolic health, weight management, and gut health), skin health and dermo-cosmetics, hair and scalp care, oral health, wound care and hemostasis, sun and UV protection, and animal health and nutrition. Each application is supported by a dedicated brand, a documented body of scientific evidence, and a clear regulatory pathway. 

Fungal chitosan is a cationic biopolymer extracted from the cell walls of fungi, at KitOzyme, from Aspergillus niger mycelium and Agaricus bisporus. Its unique functional properties to include film formation, bioadhesion, lipid binding, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility, make it relevant across a wide range of health and care applications. Unlike conventional chitosan derived from crustacean shells, it is non-animal, allergen-free, and compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. 

Fungal biopolymers offer a non-animal, allergen-free, and sustainably produced alternative to crustacean-derived chitosan and synthetic polymers, without compromising functional performance. They are produced from renewable fungal biomass, manufactured in Belgium under strict quality systems, and supported by internationally recognized regulatory approvals including EFSA health claim, FDA GRAS status, and Novel Food authorization in the EU. 

KitOzyme’s fungal and mushroom chitosan hold an EFSA-approved health claim for fat binding and FDA GRAS classification. Fungal chitin-glucan holds Novel Food status in the European Union. KitOzyme’s chitosan derivatives are verified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE and compliant with the COSMOS standard. Manufacturing is conducted under ISO 13485 and HACCP quality systems. Application-specific regulatory documentation is available on request. 

Yes. KitOzyme’s key ingredients are supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies, preclinical research, and regulatory dossiers adapted to each application and market. KiOnutrime® holds an EFSA-approved health claim and FDA GRAS classification. KiOtransine® is supported by scientific research in gut health and microbiota modulation. KitOderm™ derivatives are supported by studies on film formation, bioadhesion, and antimicrobial activity. The full publication library is available on request. 

Yes. All KitOzyme’s health and care ingredients are derived from fungi and mushrooms, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. They are compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. KitOderm™ derivatives are additionally verified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE and compliant with the COSMOS standard. 

All KitOzyme ingredients are manufactured in Herstal, Belgium, through controlled industrial processes under ISO 13485 and HACCP quality systems. European manufacturing guarantees full supply chain traceability, consistent batch-to-batch quality, and independence from Asian sourcing, a strategic advantage for formulators prioritizing supply chain reliability. 

KitOzyme’s Food & Beverage platform covers winemaking (clarification, fining, microbiological control, and sulfite reduction), food functionality (texture, formulation, and ingredient applications) and product preservation (shelf life extension and natural microbial control). The level of validation and regulatory status depends on the application and target market. 

Fungal chitosan offers a non-animal, non-allergenic and traceable alternative to conventional fining agents, with documented clarification and microbiological performance. Our chitosan is produced from Aspergillus niger and manufactured in Belgium under controlled quality systems. It is fully compliant with the OIV International Oenological Codex. 

Yes. All KitOzyme’s food and beverage ingredients are derived from selected fungal sources, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. 

The regulatory status of mushroom chitosan depends on the formulation, intended use and market.Our team can provide application-specific regulatory information and documentation upon request. 

KitOgreen® is KitOzyme’s fungal chitosan platform for agriculture. Its applications span crop protection, biostimulation, seed treatment and formulation development, with additional opportunities evaluated according to the intended product, crop and market. 

KitOgreen® is available in two complementary formats: Direct™ and Master™. 

Mushroom chitosan combines complementary mechanisms. 

As an elicitor, it is recognized by the plant and activates natural defence responses. It can also interact directly with selected pathogens, creating additional opportunities for biological crop protection. 

Seed treatment is an important application area for KitOgreen®. 

US field experience and European research have generated encouraging results across early protection, germination, crop establishment and seedling vigour. KitOzyme is building on this experience to develop new opportunities with partners in Europe, Latin America and other international markets. 

Yes. Fungal chitosan can be explored as a functional ingredient within agricultural formulations, combining its biological properties with additional physicochemical functionalities. KitzOyme works with partners on formulation development, compatibility evaluation and new product concepts according to their specific objectives. 

The regulatory status of mushroom chitosan depends on the formulation, intended use and market. KitOgreen® has an established regulatory track record in the United States, while chitosan is approved as a Basic Substance for plant protection in the European Union and can be used in organic agriculture under applicable conditions. 

KitOhealth™ is KitOzyme’s fungal biopolymer platform for cardiometabolic and digestive health. It brings together KiOnutrime® for cholesterol and cardiometabolic health, KiOslim® for weight management and Chitin – Glucan for gut health and microbiota modulation, each supported by a documented body of clinical and regulatory evidence. 

KiOnutrime® is KitOzyme’s fungal chitosan ingredient, the active, clinically documented raw material for cardiometabolic and cholesterol management applications, supported by an EFSA-approved health claim and clinical studies. KiOslim® is a ready-to-use food supplement solution built on KiOnutrime®, developed for weight management and direct consumer product integration. 

Fungal chitosan offers a non-animal, allergen-free alternative derived from fungi and mushrooms rather than crustacean shells to provide consistent molecular characteristics, year-round supply stability and compatibility with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. 

Yes. KiOnutrime® is supported by randomized clinical trials and holds an EFSA-approved health claim for fat binding and FDA GRAS classification. Chitin-Glucan is supported by in vitro fermentation studies and clinical research in gut health and microbiota modulation. The level of evidence is adapted to each application and regulatory framework. Full publication library available on request. 

Yes. All KitOhealth™ ingredients are derived from fungi and mushrooms, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. They are compatible with vegan, halal and kosher formulation requirements. 

KiOnutrime® holds an EFSA-approved health claim and FDA GRAS classification. Chitin – glucan holds Novel Food status in the European Union. Manufacturing is conducted under ISO 13485 and HACCP quality systems. Application-specific regulatory documentation is available on request. 

KiOnutrime® holds an EFSA-approved health claim and FDA GRAS classification. Chitin – glucan holds Novel Food status in the European Union. Manufacturing is conducted under ISO 13485 and HACCP quality systems. Application-specific regulatory documentation is available on request. 

KitOderm™ is KitOzyme’s platform of fungal chitosan ingredients for skin care, dermo-cosmetics, and personal care. Its four complementary grades Aspera™, Agarea™, Lumina™, and Velvet™, provide differentiated molecular profiles for lightweight film formation, substantive protective films, visually demanding formulations, and sensorial performance. All grades share a non-animal, allergen-free fungal origin and are verified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE for use in formulations developed according to the COSMOS standard. 

Aspera™ is a low molecular weight fungal chitosan for lightweight film formation and cleansing formulations optimized for low viscosity, spreadability, and a soft after-feel. 

Agarea™ is a high molecular weight fungal chitosan for more substantive and adherent cosmetic films suited to intensive skin care and barrier applications. 

Lumina™ is a purified grade with reduced color and turbidity designed for clear, white, and visually sensitive formulations including sun care and color cosmetics. 

Velvet™ is an amphoteric chitosan derivative in a ready-to-use liquid format delivering flexible film formation and a smooth, silky, non-greasy sensorial profile. 

At an appropriate pH, cationic fungal chitosan interacts with negatively charged sites at the skin surface and forms an adherent cosmetic film. Film properties depend on the molecular profile of the selected grade, lower molecular weight grades support light deposition, higher molecular weight grades deliver more substantive films. Velvet™ has a different, amphoteric structure that supports flexible film formation and a smooth sensorial profile.

KitOderm™ ingredients form cosmetic films that can help protect the skin surface and temporarily reduce moisture loss. Claims related to improvement of the physiological skin barrier should only be made when supported by appropriate testing, such as transepidermal water loss measurements, corneometry, or controlled clinical evaluation of the final formulation. 

Velvet™ supports silicone-free formulation strategies by providing a smooth, silky, and non-greasy sensorial profile Rather than serving as a universal drop-in replacement for silicone, its Performance and optimal use level should be assessed  according to the formulation, application  and targeted sensory profile. 

Yes. KitOderm™ ingredients are derived from selected fungal sources, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. They are compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. Natural Origin Index and applicable ECOCERT GREENLIFE or COSMOS documentation are available per grade upon request. The certification status of the final product remains dependent on the complete formulation. 

KitOderm™ ingredients are suited for face care, body care, color cosmetics, sun care, dermo-cosmetics, deodorants, and sensitive skin formulations. 

Yes. KitOzyme’s formulation and scientific teams work alongside personal care formulators to support grade selection, concentration and pH recommendations, compatibility assessment, application protocols, technical documentation, and development from first evaluation to industrial scale-up. 

KitOhair™ is KitOzyme’s platform of fungal chitosan ingredients for hair styling, conditioning, and protection. Its two complementary molecular profiles allow formulators to select the most appropriate molecular profile according to the required film formation, styling performance, deposition and sensorial properties. 

KitOhair™ is KitOzyme’s platform of fungal chitosan ingredients for hair styling, conditioning, and protection. Its complementary molecular profiles allow formulators to select the most appropriate solution depending  on the desired film-forming behavior,, styling performance, deposition and sensorial properties. 

Through its affinity with the hair surface, fungal chitosan can form a temporary cosmetic film that contributes to conditioning, manageability, styling performance and hair fibre protection, depending on the selected grade and formulation conditions.

Velvet™ is a chitosan derivative, the primary grade for flexible styling, curl definition, and shape retention. It has a natural-origin content of 99% according to ISO 16128 and is designed as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic film formers. Agarea™ is a high molecular weight cationic fungal chitosan, the primary grade for substantive conditioning, protective film formation, and damaged-hair affinity. Together, they provide complementary solutions for styling and intensive hair care applications. 

Velvet™ can be considered as  as a natural-origin alternative to selected synthetic styling polymers, including PVP and VP/VA copolymers. 

Its suitability as a full or partial replacement depends on the targeted hold, curl retention, humidity resistance, sensorial profile and formulation system. Comparative testing in the final formulation is therefore recommended. 

KitOzyme can support benchmark selection, use-level optimization  and performance evaluation. 

Yes. KitOhair™ ingredients are derived from fungal biomass and contain no animal-derived chitosan. They are therefore compatible with vegan formulation strategies. 

Supporting origin, quality and certification documentation is available according to the selected grade. 

Yes. KitOhair™ ingredients are derived from fungal sources, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. They are compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. Applicable ECOCERT GREENLIFE and COSMOS documentation is available per grade upon request. 

Velvet™ is supplied as  supplied as a ready-to-use soluble solution that can be incorporated into the aqueous phase oradded during cool-down addition below 40°C. An optimal formulation pH of approximately 5.0-6.0 is recommended. Recommended use levels depend on the application, desired performance and overall formulation system and should therefore be confirmed through formulation testing.

Yes. KitOzyme’s formulation and scientific teams work alongside hair care formulators to support grade selection, formulation guidance, application protocols, technical documentation, and development from first evaluation to industrial scale-up. 

KitOoral™ is KitOzyme’s fungal chitosan platform for oral health formulations. It delivers protective film formation on enamel and gums through a single precision-engineered grade, Oravea™, non-animal, allergen-free and suited to contact with oral mucosa. 

The natural positive charge of fungal chitosan enables electrostatic interaction with oral surfaces. It promotes adhesion to enamel and gum surfaces and creates a durable protective film. 

Oravea™ is the only grade in KitOzyme’s personal care platform specifically developed for oral care. A gentle bleaching step delivers a clean profile suited to daily oral mucosal contact, a requirement that distinguishes oral care applications from skin and hair care. 

Yes. Oravea™ is derived from selected fungal sources, non-animal in origin and free from animal by-products at every stage of production. It is compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. 

Yes. KitOzyme’s formulation and scientific teams work alongside oral care formulators to identify the most relevant concentration and application protocol, from first evaluation to pilot, validation and industrial scale-up. 

Fungal chitosan is derived from the cell walls of Aspergillus niger, not from crustacean shells. This origin ensures a consistent molecular profile, non-crustacean traceability, and compatibility with formulations where allergen-free or vegan-friendly positioning is relevant. KitOfeed™ is produced under HACCP-controlled conditions. 

Feed-approved status confirms that KitOfeed™ fungal chitosan has been assessed for use as a feed additive or feed ingredient in compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks for animal nutrition. This status allows formulators to incorporate it in companion animal supplements, veterinary health products, and functional feeds intended for commercial use. 

KitOfeed™ is positioned primarily across renal health support and joint health. Skin and coat care and digestive health represent additional territories with documented biological relevance. 

Yes. The feed-approved status of KitOfeed™ covers both companion animal and production animal applications. Formulation parameters and recommended use levels may vary by species and target indication. 

Oravea™ is suited for daily toothpaste formulations and oral care formats targeting enamel protection and gum health. Its non-animal, allergen-free and non-toxic profile supports vegan and natural-origin oral care positioning. 

No. Lumina™ is designed to minimize the impact of chitosan on the color, clarity and visual appearance of the formulation. Its reduced color does not, by itself, imply a biological skin-brightening effect. 

The product is available through our exclusive global partner.

Beta-glucan is a single polysaccharide chain. Chitin-glucan is a tridimensional complex in which chitin and beta (1,3) glucan are structurally bonded giving it distinct biological behaviour and a different fermentation profile compared to isolated beta-glucan. 

Yes. Chitin-glucan has been approved as a Novel Food in the European Union and is classified FDA-GRAS in the United States. 

Yes. Produced from fungal biomass, it contains no animal-derived components and no known allergens. 

Fungal chitosan is extracted from Aspergillus niger mycelium, a renewable fungal biomass, rather than crustacean shells. It is non-allergenic, non-animal, compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher requirements, and produced with year-round supply consistency. Its molecular profile is tightly controlled through the fermentation process. 

KitOzyme’s fungal chitosan is classified FDA-GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), and is manufactured under ISO 13485 and HACCP quality systems. 

Yes. KitOgreen®, the agricultural application of our fungal chitosan, is approved for organic farming in several EU countries and is listed by the EPA among minimum risk pesticide active ingredients. 

Fungal chitosan is KitOzyme’s core biopolymer, a versatile, non-animal cationic polysaccharide with a broad spectrum of functional properties. Fungal chitosan derivatives are purpose-built variations of this base material, developed through controlled chemical functionalization to deliver targeted performance profiles that includes optimized film formation, enhanced charge density, complex coacervation capacity, or controlled release functionality for specific applications and market requirements. 

Yes. KitOzyme’s R&D team works closely with partners to identify, design, and develop tailored fungal chitosan derivative solutions. Beyond existing grades, new derivative building blocks can be designed to address emerging customer needs, from modified solubility profiles to advanced encapsulation or controlled-release systems. Contact our team to discuss your co-development project. 

Yes. All KitOzyme fungal chitosan derivatives share the same non-animal, non-GMO, and allergen-free profile as the base platform. They are manufactured in Belgium under controlled industrial processes and are compatible with vegan, halal, and kosher formulation requirements. 

KitOzyme’s fungal chitosan and chitin-glucan are derived from Aspergillus niger or mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus, produced through controlled fermentation at our Belgian manufacturing facility. This fungal origin provides a non-animal, non-crustacean alternative with a consistent molecular profile and full batch-to-batch traceability. Both platforms are produced under HACCP-controlled conditions and verified by the Fungal Chitosan Certified® programme, KitOzyme’s independent authenticity and traceability verification scheme. 

The appropriate grade depends on your target functionality, formulation environment and processing constraints. Key parameters include molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, charge density, solubility profile and format. Lower molecular weight grades suit applications requiring light deposition or low viscosity; higher molecular weight grades support more substantive film formation and prolonged surface contact. Functionalized derivatives offer additional formulation flexibility. Our team runs a structured grade selection process based on your application brief and technical requirements. 

We assess opportunities to adapt molecular characteristics, functionalization and specifications to your application on a project basis. Adaptation possibilities are evaluated in collaboration with your development team. 

Yes. We work alongside formulation teams at each stage: from grade selection and material characterisation to formulation guidance, regulatory documentation and scale-up to industrial volume. For projects in emerging application territories, we support co-development from initial concept to characterised prototype. Collaborative projects are initiated with a brief description of the application, target function and regulatory market. 

Contact our team with a brief description of your application and development needs. Samples are available on request, subject to a brief qualification discussion to ensure the appropriate grade is selected for your evaluation.