The efficient hemostatic effect of Antarctic krill chitosan is related to its hydration property

•Antarctic krill chitosan was first evaluated in its hemostatic effect.•It showed low level of crystallinity and significant high water binding capacity.•Its efficient hemostatic effect was consistent with its high WBC.•The WBC was influenced by MW, DDA, crystallinity and so on.•High deacetylation degree was more inclined to induce red blood cells aggregation.