02. A review on recent advances in chitosan applications
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Abstract
Chitosan, derivative of chitin is the second most abundant natural polymer and is widely distributed throughout the nature. The numbers of applications of chitosan and their derivatives have been increasing steadily in the last decade. Chitosan has been shown to be a versatile nontoxic material with multiple responses. To date, there is enough evidence indicating that after chitosan application plants can acquire enhanced tolerance to a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms. A high antimicrobial activity was observed by chitosan against bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes and insects. Chitosan can be a cost-effective way to protect crops from microbial pathogens and inhibit development of resistant pathogens. It can assist in the goal of sustainable agriculture in unfavorable climatic conditions e.g. heat, cold, salinity, drought stresses and improve growth. Today, chitosan is considered as a bio functional polysaccharide with probably the most notable growth and potential for applications in various fields. The progress in chitin chemistry and the need to replace additives and non-natural polymers with functional natural-based polymers have opened many new opportunities for chitosan and its derivatives. Chitosan is environmentally friendly and which attributes to the rapid development in its applications in industry but since chitosan is insoluble in water, the use of chitosan in a basic environment is limited. This review hopes to enlist the latest applications of chitosan in different fields to help provide easily accessible knowledge for aspiring researchers.
Keywords: Antimicrobial; Chitin; Chitosan; Food; Packaging; Storage