Abstract
The aim of this study is to elucidate the anti-microbial activity and anti-oxidative activity of water-soluble chitosan with a molecular weight of 5,000-200,000. Water-soluble chitosans have demonstrated a regular anti-microbial activity on the tested strians by the paper disk method. In the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) test, CC-01 (MW=5,000) with the lower MW showed the higher MIC value than the higher MW chitosan. The MW of chitosan increase, the MIC decreases. MICs of 4 chitosans(CC-02∼CC-05) against S. aureusTCC 65389, E coli ATCC 8739, p. aeruginosa, ATCC 9027 and C. albicans ,ATCC 10231 were 7.0-39.O$\mu\textrm{m}$, whereas MICs of chitosans against A. niger were over 2.OmM. Formula containing chitosan showed higher anti-microbial activities than the formula made with the chemical preservatives(Methylparaben 0.2％ and Imidazolidinyl Urea 0.3％). Among 5 water-soluble chitosans, CC-03(MW=92,163) showed the most potent anti-oxidative activity (IC$\sub$50/ : 0.2mM). In conclusion, the water-soluble low molecular weight chitosan could be served as natural preservatives and antioxidant in cosmetics.