Controlled release matrices and micro/nanoparticles of chitosan with antimicrobial potential: development of new strategies for microbial control in agriculture

Abstract

The control of micro-organisms responsible for pre- and postharvest diseases of agricultural products, mainly viruses and fungi, is a problem that remains unresolved, together with the environmental impact of the excessive use of chemicals to tackle this problem. Current efforts are focused on the search for efficient alternatives for microbial control that will not result in damage to the environment or an imbalance in the existing biota. One alternative is the use of natural antimicrobial compounds such as chitosan, a linear cationic biopolymer, which is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic, has filmogenic properties and is capable of forming matrices for the transport of active substances. The study of chitosan has attracted great interest owing to its ability to form complexes or matrices for the controlled release of active compounds such as micro- and nanoparticles, which, together with the biological properties of chitosan, has allowed a major breakthrough in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Another important field of study is the development of chitosan-based matrices for the controlled release of active compounds in areas such as agriculture and food for the control of viruses, bacteria and fungi, which is one of the least exploited areas and holds much promise for future research.

Novel stable cytokine delivery system in physiological pH solution: chitosan oligosaccharide/heparin nanoparticles

“…[35][36][37] However, chitosan is insoluble in physiological pH solutions, and chitosan nanoparticles are prepared in an acidified environment buffered with 1% acetic acid. 16,24 A previous study by our group demonstrated that chitosan nanoparticles were only stable in acidic solutions (pH 6.5), with the optimal pH being 5.…”

Nanoparticles Carrying Biological Molecules: Recent Advances and Applications

“…The control of diseases caused by these microorganisms is a problem that remains unsolved (Cota-Arriola O. et al, 2013). To protect crops from fungal pathogens, the growth of the fungi can be inhibited by using proteinchitosan nanoparticle conjugate as demonstrated by Sathiyabama M. and Parthasarathy R. (2016).…”

Chitosan as an Advanced Healthcare Material

“…Certain of these metals are essential for fungi and bacterial growth. Th is in turn leads to disruption of proper cell function resulting in cell death [132,133]. Chitosan also interacts with DNA in the cell where it is thought that the polymer may inhibit synthesis of messenger RNA and proteins [133].…”

“…Th e most commonly studied metal used together with chitosan, is Ag. Silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan are a well-studied topic with applications in the biomedical sector being the main focus [133]. It has been shown that bacterial DNA is unable to replicate aft er exposure to Ag and changes have occurred in the cell membrane of the bacteria.…”

“…Th is review noted that chitosan had great potential in a broad range of scientifi c areas due to its favourable properties [145]. Cota-Arriola et al reviewed controlled release matrices based on micro/nanoparticles of chitosan with antimicrobial potential [133]. Th is review focused on the development of approaches for microbial control in agriculture [133].…”