Chitosan as a bioactive polymer: Processing, properties and applications.

Area of Science:

• Biopolymer Science
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Chitin is a globally abundant natural polysaccharide.
• Chitosan is produced from chitin via deacetylation.
• Chitosan possesses valuable properties like bioactivity, antibacterial effects, non-toxicity, and biodegradability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common chitosan processing methods.
• To highlight diverse industrial and biomedical applications of chitosan.
• To discuss environmental concerns of chitosan-based films and explore eco-friendly alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chitosan processing techniques.
• Analysis of chitosan applications across various sectors.
• Environmental impact assessment of chitosan-based materials from cradle to grave.

Main Results:

• Chitosan processing methods vary, influencing final material properties.
• Chitosan demonstrates significant utility in industrial and biomedical fields.
• Environmental concerns necessitate the development of sustainable chitosan-based alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan is a promising biopolymer with broad applicability.
• Further research is needed to mitigate environmental impacts associated with chitosan production and disposal.
• Developing eco-friendly alternatives is crucial for the sustainable use of chitosan.