Chitosan: A Comprehensive Review of Structural Properties, Biological Activities, and Multidisciplinary Applications

Abstract

Chitin deacetylation yields chitosan, a biopolymer gathered from different natural origins like animals and marine organisms. Chitosan quality is influenced by factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and degree of deacetylation, as well as purity parameters like ash content, protein content, and color. These inherent characteristics lead to biocompatibility, bio-adhesiveness, solubility, and its polycationic nature, making it suitable for a wide range of physical or chemical modifications. Despite its advantages, chitosan faces challenges such as seasonal and geographical availability, time-consuming extraction processes, and variability in quality due to different extraction methods. Technological advancements, such as genetic modification, hold promise for improving chitosan yield and expanding its applications. This review delves into the structure and properties of chitosan, exploring its extraction methods and emphasizing its diverse applications, including wound dressings, drug delivery systems, antimicrobial agents, wastewater treatment, and beyond. Finally, the discussion concludes with key challenges and future perspectives for chitosan research.