Chitosan
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is derived from the shells of shrimp and other sea crustaceans. Chitosan has a number of commercial and possible biomedical uses.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Chitosan is produced commercially by deacetylation of chitin, which is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (such as crabs and shrimp) and cell walls of fungi. The degree of deacetylation (%DD) can be set in a range from 60 to 100%. Chitosan has a rich history of being researched for applications in agriculture and winemaking. The agriculture and food industry is exploring the use of chitosan as a natural seed treatment and plant growth enhancer, and as an ecologically friendly biopesticide substance that boosts the innate ability of plants to defend themselves against fungal infections.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The biocontrol and direct in-plant defense activation properties of chitosan promote its use as a natural eco-friendly biopesticide against fungal pathogens in agriculture. Chitosan is one of the most abundant biodegradable materials in the world. Due to its properties as an eco-friendly material, chitosan has great potential for use in the field of nanomedicine. It is used in agriculture as a seed treatment and biopesticide, helping plants to fight off fungal infections. In winemaking, it can be used as a fining agent, also helping to prevent spoilage. In industry, it can be used in a self-healing polyurethane paint coating. In medicine, it may be useful in bandages to reduce bleeding and as an antibacterial agent; it can also be used to help deliver drugs through the skin.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
More controversially, chitosan has been asserted to have use in limiting fat absorption, which would make it useful for dieting, but there is evidence against this. Other uses for chitosan have been developed to treat plant diseases. A recent study found that chitosan induces plant resistance and also enhances the growth and development of crops.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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