Progress in Research of Chitosan Chemical Modification Technologies and Their Applications

Abstract

Chitosan, which is derived from chitin, is the only known natural alkaline cationic polymer. Chitosan is a biological material that can significantly improve the living standard of the country. It has excellent properties such as good biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cell affinity, and has excellent biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and hemostasis. In recent years, the demand has increased significantly in many fields and has huge application potential. Due to the poor water solubility of chitosan, its wide application is limited. However, chemical modification of the chitosan matrix structure can improve its solubility and biological activity, thereby expanding its application range. The review covers the period from 1996 to 2022 and was elaborated by searching Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, ACS publications, MDPI, Web of Science, Springer, and other databases. The various chemical modification methods of chitosan and its main activities and application research progress were reviewed. In general, the modification of chitosan and the application of its derivatives have had great progress, such as various reactions, optimization of conditions, new synthetic routes, and synthesis of various novel multifunctional chitosan derivatives. The chemical properties of modified chitosan are usually better than those of unmodified chitosan, so chitosan derivatives have been widely used and have more promising prospects. This paper aims to explore the latest progress in chitosan chemical modification technologies and analyze the application of chitosan and its derivatives in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and textiles, thus providing a basis for further development and utilization of chitosan.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Prevents Afatinib-Induced Barrier Disruption and Chloride Secretion through Modulation of AMPK, PI3K/AKT, and ERK Signaling in T84 Cells

“…Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is derived by the hydrolysis and deacetylation of chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, which is a main constituent of the exoskeleton of arthropods such as insects, crabs and shrimps, and the cell wall of fungi [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The physico-chemical and biological properties of this biopolymer have been explored in various fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, textiles, cosmetics, biomedical engineering, agriculture, food processing, nutrition, water, and wastewater treatments [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…The physico-chemical and biological properties of this biopolymer have been explored in various fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, textiles, cosmetics, biomedical engineering, agriculture, food processing, nutrition, water, and wastewater treatments [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetics and beneficial biological activities including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities, COS has the potential for development as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Previously, we have reported that COS activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the intestinal epithelial cells via a mechanism involving calcium sensing receptor (CaSR)-mediated calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum.…”

Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus: Evaluation of the Impact of the Sulphate Content on Nanoparticle Production and Cell Toxicity

“… Chemical structures of ( a ) fucoidan from F. vesiculosus showing alternating α (1→3) and α (1→4) linkages [ 14 ] and ( b ) chitosan showing (1→4) bonds [ 15 ]. …”

Physicochemical and Structural Characterization of Alkali-Treated Biopolymer Sphingan WL Gum from Marine Sphingomonas sp. WG

“…Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the most common industrial alkali, has been widely used for extraction (e.g., d -glucans from edible mushrooms) and dissolution of polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose). − Moreover, alkali treatment will cause hydrolysis of hydrophobic acetyl groups and deprotonation of carboxylic acid groups, leading to an increased interaction between sugar chain molecules and water, which may also contribute to the enhancement of WL solubility. , Besides, the modification of water-soluble small or large molecules onto insoluble biopolymers can also improve their water solubility. For example, chemical modification methods of chitosan have been reviewed in many kinds of literature. , They indicate that chemical modification is a very necessary process to improve the water solubility of chitosan. For WL with acetyl and carboxylic groups, the relatively simple and potentially effective alkali treatment is worth trying first.…”

“…For example, chemical modification methods of chitosan have been reviewed in many kinds of literature. 16 , 17 They indicate that chemical modification is a very necessary process to improve the water solubility of chitosan. For WL with acetyl and carboxylic groups, the relatively simple and potentially effective alkali treatment is worth trying first.…”