Chitosan as a Renewable Biopolymer

Abstract

Chitosan is widely recognized as a promising eco-friendly polymer due to its renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and ease of modification, offering numerous opportunities for development. As a cationic polysaccharide, chitosan exhibits distinctive physicochemical and biological properties that are influenced by factors such as its molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in chitosan derivatives, driven by the quest for improved efficiency and expanded applications. The versatility and distinctive properties of this polymer offer tremendous potential for advancements in diverse fields, ranging from healthcare to environmental remediation. This review presents an updated overview of chitosan's production sources and extraction methods, with a particular focus on its physicochemical properties. Furthermore, it highlights the benefits of chitosan derivatives and delves into various approaches for biopolymer modification.