A functional chitosan derivative which comprises a chitin/chitosan, which
is a natural polysaccharide, and incorporated therein at least one of a
carbohydrate, a photo-reactive functional group, an amphipathic group,
e.g. a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and a glycosaminoglycan and which,
due to the incorporation, has solubility in a neutral medium,
self-crosslinking ability, the property of highly containing water or
healing wounds, and antithrombotic properties. Namely, the derivative has
various properties required of health care materials such as medical
products and cosmetics.