Chemical Modification of Chitin and Chitosan for Their Potential Applications

Abstract

Evolution and development of absorbable/biodegradable polysaccharides was associated mostly with chitin and chitosan biopolymers. Chitin and chitosan are interesting biopolymers because of the presence of the reactive function groups, which could be suitably modified to impart the desired properties and distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. Organosoluble chitin derivatives were also prepared and used as precursors for regioselective modifications such as introduction of various sugar groups resulting in nonnatural branched chitin products. Phthaloylation of chitosan can be a practical way for solubilization in organic solvents because the phthaloyl group is bulky and eliminates hydrogen from the amino group to prevent hydrogen bonding. Microwave heating was used as an alternative technique in production of phthaloyl chitosan. Chitosan-metal complexes have been studied for removal and degradation of hazardous pesticides from wastewaters. The modification can be used to attach various functional groups and control ionic properties. There is great opportunity to the scientist to develop novel chitin and chitosan polymers by their structure modification.