Chitin and Its Derivative Chitosan: Distribution in Nature, Applications, and Technology Research (A Review)

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Chitin and chitosan are abundant natural biopolymers with unique properties.
• Growing interest in chitosan for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
• Chitosan's versatility stems from its chemical structure and biological interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chitin/chitosan as promising biopolymers for biomedical research.
• To assess the practical application potential of these biopolymers.
• To summarize traditional and innovative production and purification technologies.

Main Methods:

• Chitin extraction involves deproteinization, demineralization, and deacetylation.
• Chitosan purification methods include filtration, dialysis, and reprecipitation.
• Economic viability assessed for crustacean and fungal sources.

Main Results:

• Fungal sourcing of chitin/chitosan can be cost-effective using agricultural/forestry waste.
• Profitability of chitin/chitosan production from crustaceans and mushrooms is comparable.
• Innovative technologies for production and purification are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Chitin/chitosan are valuable biopolymers with significant biomedical potential.
• Fungal sources offer a promising and potentially cost-effective alternative for chitin/chitosan production.
• Further development of production and purification technologies is warranted for wider application.