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Chitin and chitosan on the nanoscale
Tony Jin1, Tracy Liu, Edmond Lam
1Center in Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada. Audrey.moores@mcgill.ca.
Nanoscale Horizons
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Nanochitin and nanochitosan are emerging bio-nanomaterials with unique properties. These materials show promise for applications in medicine and catalysis, potentially surpassing nanocellulose.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Nanomaterials derived from biomass, like nanocellulose, are established industrial materials.
- Nanoscale chitin and chitosan are gaining attention due to their unique properties and functionalities.
- Biomass-derived nanomaterials offer sustainable alternatives in various technological fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the fabrication and development of nanochitin and nanochitosan.
- To detail the properties of these emerging bio-nanomaterials.
- To discuss their potential applications and compare them with nanocellulose.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on nanochitin and nanochitosan fabrication.
- Analysis of material properties including biocompatibility and chemical functionalities.
- Evaluation of current application successes and potential advantages.
Main Results:
- Nanoscale chitin and chitosan exhibit promising biocompatibility and antibacterial activity.
- Tunable functionalities (acetylamide in chitin, amino in chitosan) offer versatile applications.
- Initial applications in biomedical devices, catalysis, and therapeutics show success.
Conclusions:
- Nanochitin and nanochitosan represent a new frontier in bio-nanomaterials.
- Their unique properties offer distinct advantages over established materials like nanocellulose.
- Further research and development are expected to drive their industrial relevance.
