 In this study, two types of chitosan were deacetylated using different temperatures and times to produce two series of chitosans. The resulting polymer samples were characterized for molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, crystallinity, hydrophilicity and thermal stability. Additionally, films were prepared from these chitosans and evaluated for biological activity. The results showed that deacetylation under nitrogen atmosphere resulted in a decrease in molecular weight, but an increase in crystallinity and thermal stability. Furthermore, the degree of deacetylation had a significant effect on the biological activity of the films. This article was authored by Joel D. Bumgardner, Warren O. Haggard, Betsy M. Chestnut and others.