Chitosan as a matrix of nanocomposites: A review on nanostructures, processes, properties, and applications

Chitosan is a biopolymer that is natural, biodegradable, and relatively low price. Chitosan has been attracting interest as a matrix of nanocomposites due to new properties for various applications. This study presents a comprehensive overview of common and recent advances using chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix. The focus is to present alternative processes to produce embedded or coated nanoparticles, and the shaping techniques that have been employed (3D printing, electrospinning), as well as the nanocomposites emerging applications in medicine, tissue engineering, wastewater treatment, corrosion inhibition, among others. There are several reviews about single chitosan material and derivatives for diverse applications. However, there is not a study that focuses on chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix, explaining the possibility of nanomaterial additions, the interaction of the attached species, and the applications possibility following the techniques to combine chitosan with nanostructures. Finally, future directions are presented for expanding the applications of chitosan nanocomposites.