Chitosan: A Promising Biopolymer For Sustainable Applications

 

Chitosan

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is derived from chitin, a major component of the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster. It has been gaining attention in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine due to its unique properties and potential applications.

 

Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide that consists of β-1,4 linked glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine units. The degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan, which refers to the extent of the removal of the acetyl groups from the N-acetylglucosamine units, is an important parameter that determines its physicochemical properties. Generally, chitosan with a DD of more than 50% is considered to have good solubility in acidic solutions and is suitable for various applications.

 

The Global Chitosan Market Is Estimated To Account For US$ 3,573.1 Mn In Terms Of Value And 53,806.0 Tons In Terms Of Volume By The End Of 2019.

 

Chitosan has unique properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, mucoadhesion, and cationic nature, which make it suitable for a wide range of applications in various fields. For instance, the cationic nature of chitosan enables it to interact with negatively charged biological molecules such as proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. This property has been exploited for drug delivery and gene therapy applications.

 

Chitosan has been extensively studied for its potential biomedical applications. It has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising material for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. Chitosan-based scaffolds have been developed for tissue engineering applications due to their biocompatibility and ability to support cell growth and differentiation.

 

Chitosan has also been explored for drug delivery applications. The cationic nature of chitosan enables it to form complexes with negatively charged drugs such as nucleic acids and proteins, which can protect them from degradation and facilitate their transport across biological barriers such as the mucosal layer. Chitosan-based nanoparticles have been developed for oral, nasal, and pulmonary drug delivery applications.

 

Chitosan has been used in the food and agriculture industries due to its antimicrobial properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it a potential natural preservative for food products. Chitosan coatings have been developed for fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Chitosan has also been explored for agricultural applications. It has been shown to improve plant growth and enhance plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Chitosan-based products have been developed as biopesticides, biostimulants, and soil amendments for sustainable agriculture practices.