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Chitooligosaccharides as potential nutraceuticals: production and bioactivities
1School of Food Technology and Nutrition, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Republic of Korea. jjy1915@jnu.ac.kr
Advances in Food and Nutrition Research
|February 25, 2012
Summary
Chitooligosaccharides (COS), derived from chitosan, are prepared using enzymatic methods. These compounds show promising nutraceutical potential due to their diverse biological activities, including antihypertensive and antioxidant effects.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biochemistry
- Nutraceutical Science
Background:
- Chitooligosaccharides (COS) are water-soluble derivatives of chitosan.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis is a preferred method for COS production due to its eco-friendly and safe nature.
- COS exhibit versatile biological activities, making them potential nutraceuticals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline methods for preparing chitooligosaccharides (COS).
- To review the biological properties of COS, including their nutraceutical potential.
- To highlight the advantages of enzymatic preparation methods for COS.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of chitosan.
- Chemical hydrolysis of chitosan (for comparison).
- Characterization of COS properties and biological activities.
Main Results:
- Enzymatic methods offer a safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly route to COS production.
- COS demonstrate significant biological activities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties.
- The water-soluble nature and intestinal absorption of COS support their nutraceutical applications.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic preparation is a superior method for producing COS.
- COS possess a wide range of biological activities beneficial for human health.
- COS are promising candidates for development as functional foods and nutraceuticals.
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