Summary
This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of chitosan—a renewable, biocompatible polysaccharide derived from chitin—and its derivatives and nanocomposite formulations. The authors examine chitosan's key physicochemical and biological properties, which vary with molecular weight and degree of deacetylation, and synthesise evidence on its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities. The review highlights recent advances in nanocomposite preparation and documents emerging applications across agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals and environmental remediation, positioning chitosan as a versatile eco-friendly material for multiple industrial sectors.
Regional applicability
The findings are potentially relevant to UK food and agricultural innovation, particularly for sustainable crop protection strategies and food preservation methods that align with circular economy principles. However, the review does not address UK-specific regulatory frameworks, climatic suitability, or cost-effectiveness compared to existing alternatives in UK farming contexts.
Key measures
Molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, solubility, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, antioxidant activity; nanocomposite preparation methods and applications
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised current knowledge on chitosan production, extraction methods, physicochemical properties, and biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. It documented versatile applications of chitosan across food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medicine and wastewater treatment sectors.
Topic tags
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