Chitin and Chitosan as Polymers of the Future—Obtaining, Modification, Life Cycle Assessment and Main Directions of Application

Abstract

Natural polymers are very widespread in the world, which is why it is so important to know about the possibilities of their use. Chitin is the second most abundant reproducible natural polymer in nature; however, it is insoluble in water and basic solvents. Chitin is an unused waste of the food industry, for which there are possibilities of secondary management. The research led to obtaining a soluble, environmentally friendly form of chitin, which has found potential applications in the many fields, e.g., medicine, cosmetics, food and textile industries, agriculture, etc. The deacetylated form of chitin, which is chitosan, has a number of beneficial properties and wide possibilities of modification. Modification possibilities mean that we can obtain chitosan with the desired functional properties, facilitating, for example, the processing of this polymer and expanding the possibilities of its application, also as biomimetic materials. The review contains a rich description of the possibilities of modifying chitin and chitosan and the main directions of their application, and life cycle assessment (LCA)—from the source of the polymer through production materials to various applications with the reduction of waste.

Food-Grade Oleogels: Trends in Analysis, Characterization, and Applicability

“…Due to its biodegradability and less-toxic nature, chitin is an attractive material for various applications, including the food industry, where it is used as a food additive or to obtain chitosan, a partially deacetylated counterpart of chitin [12]. Chitosan is used as a food preservative, antioxidant, thickener, stabilizer, and clarifying agent [156,157].…”

“…Recently, research in the field of oleogels has focused on investigating new molecules or combinations of molecules that can act as structuring agents, as well as developing new methods for gelation. This includes exploring different types of structuring agents, such as waxes [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and polymers [11,12], and investigating their properties and interactions with liquid oils to create stable and functional oleogels [13,14]. Scientists are also investigating the use of new techniques, such as micro-and nano-structuring [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24], to modulate oleogel properties and create novel structures with specific functionality [17,[25][26][27][28].…”

Mechanical and thermal properties of polyvinyl acetate foams reinforced with biopolymers

“…20 Chitosan has a unique polycationic structure that enables it to form polyelectrolyte complexes, create films, chelate metal ions, and exhibit various biological properties such as antitumor, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and making it useful in various applications. 21 Although cellulose and chitosan-based foams were intensely studied, their application areas were limited due to some characteristic properties. 22 The cellulose and chitosan-based materials are naturally flammable.…”

MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF THE AFFINITY OF CHITIN AND CHITOSAN FOR COLLAGEN: THE EFFECT OF pH AND THE PRESENCE OF SODIUM AND CALCIUM CATIONS

“…Both chitosan and chitin are relatively inexpensive and 'green' materials [18,19]. These biocompatible polymers are characterised by unique properties and features including antioxidant and antibacterial activities [20][21][22] and the ability to form hydrogels, films, membranes, nanofibres, sponges, and scaffolds [23]. Collagen is an extracellular matrix molecule that plays an important role in regeneration, maintaining the integrity and optimal mechanical properties of various tissues such as skin, blood vessels, cartilage, and bones [24][25][26].…”