[Chitosan and its applications in synthesis of metal nanomaterials]

Chitosan has natural abundance, unique bioactivity and attractive physicochemical properties. Recent years, the synthesis of chitosan-based metal nanomaterials has attracted increasing attention. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles utilizing biomolecular or organism offers a mild medium, and thus a greater degree of control over the nanoparticles produced, along with higher reproducibility. In particular, preparation of metal nanoparticles based on biomolecular or organism has its unique facility in integrating "minimum feature sizes" into labile biological components to an excellent synergy and bifunctional effect and consequently a more broad application. Herein, we review the new development of chitosan, chitosan-based synthesis of metal nanomaterials, and their application.