Smart-responsive chitosan-based materials for precise degradation control and environmental remediation: A review

Smart-responsive chitosan-based materials (SRCMs) exhibit multi-stimuli reactivity, biodegradability, and environmental compatibility, making them promising candidates for sustainable environmental remediation. This review summarizes the latest progress in the molecular design of SRCMs, including the integration of pH, temperature, light, enzyme, and redox-responsive moieties for precise degradation control. Emphasis is placed on novel degradation mechanisms such as triggered depolymerization and cascade mineralization, alongside multifunctional applications in pollutant adsorption, heavy metal immobilization, and smart packaging. Future perspectives on AI-driven material design and in-situ monitoring systems are also discussed, highlighting the strategic role of SRCMs in carbon neutrality and the circular economy.