Application Of Chitosan Research Articles

Effects of chitosan application on the yield and quality of lettuce

Modern agricultural production has adopted the principle of maximizing yields in an environmental-friendly, inexpensive, and non-hazardous way. With these characteristics, chitosan has become an increasingly preferred biostimulant in sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of chitosan application on yield and quality in lettuce cultivation. For this purpose, Yedikule 5107 lettuce variety was used, and foliar chitosan applications were applied 3 times at 4 different doses of 0, 75, 150, and 300 ppm levels. The total yield, leaf number, leaf width, chlorophyll, total phenolic, and antiradical activity values ranged from 2970 to 3290 kg da-1, from 35.8 to 37.7, from 11.27 to 12.33 cm, from 38.05 to 41.82, from 21.50 to 38.71 mg/100 g, and 46.0% to 54.9%, respectively, and the highest values were obtained in the 300 ppm chitosan application. The highest root collar and plant diameter values were determined at 75 ppm and 150 ppm chitosan doses, respectively. All chitosan applications increased leaf length. Furthermore, chitosan applications were effective in preventing nitrate accumulation. In conclusion, it was determined that the effect of pre-harvest chitosan application was positive, and especially 300 ppm chitosan dose was more effective than other doses.

The Effect of Sustainable Applications of Chitin and Chitosan to Remove Dyed Pollutants Using Adsorption: A Review

Sustainable wastewater treatment methods are very important and necessary because they help to protect the environment and the health of humans, animals and other living organisms. With the increase in industries and population, toxic dyes produced in various industries have created a serious issue for public health and the main concern of environmental protection. This method affects the quality of purified water and causes various diseases, and as a result, it ends in death. Water purification is very important and plays an important role in the environment. Pollutant removal has different methods that include physicochemical and biological treatment. Each of these methods shows different pollutant removal capabilities that are studied here, depending on the experimental limitations. Among the different methods of wastewater treatment, the methods that have a high cost are not used today, and the results have shown that researchers consider more in the fields that have a low cost of material and testing. Surface adsorption is considered the most efficient method due to its high removal efficiency, easy operation, cost-effectiveness and recyclability of adsorbents. In this paper, the sustainable applications of wastewater treatment for the removal of colored pollutants have been investigated. Here, chitin and chitosan are more commonly used nowadays due to the naturalness of the polymer material, and it is not toxic and has many uses in various fields that can be used by adsorption. In this context, this work aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the adsorption of dyes from wastewater by nano-biopolymers, especially chitin and chitosan, as adsorbents. First, a summary of biopolymers, the properties of chitin and chitosan and synthesis techniques are presented. After the classification of dyes, the techniques for removing them from the wastewater are described. In addition, the adsorption process and isotherms used for adsorption are described with different models. Among various adsorbents, such as carbon materials, metals/metal oxides and zeolites, nano-biopolymers, especially chitin and chitosan, are the most promising ones for environmental sustainability. The results show that the use of biocompatible biopolymers to remove dye pollutants in different dyeing and textile industries plays an important role in determining the sustainable methods of wastewater treatment and can reduce the environmental effects of industries. Surface adsorption can be compatible with the environment and remove various colored pollutants well so that we have clean and pollution-free water and can use water.

Pharmaceutical applications of chitosan on medical implants: A viable alternative for construction of new biomaterials?

The cytocompatibility, good degradability and antimicrobial action of chitosan (CS) makes this polysaccharide a highly sought after candidate for applications in medical devices. Thus, development of biofunctional implants associated with CS has been proposed in regenerative medicine as these biomaterials can improve and accelerate the osseointegration process on the implants’ surface. The antimicrobial potential of CS has also been investigated in experiments performed on implantable materials associated with CS in different forms, since the incidence of implant-associated infections (IAIs) is increasing worldwide. Biodegradable scaffolds based on CS, and commonly developed as hydrogels, have received lots of attention as implants for controlled release and delivery of drugs. Given this scenario, the present review will focus on methodologies used to coat implant surfaces with CS as well as pharmaceutical applications of these functionalized implants, focusing on cellular, immunological, and antimicrobial responses as well as controlled drug release.

Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Review.

Recently, nanotechnology has garnered significant interest across various fields due to its emerging and diverse applications. Numerous investigators have proposed that chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) stand out as some of the most promising nanomaterials for facilitating various activities. Chitosan, a natural biopolymer established through the deacetylation of chitin, has been extensively studied using interdisciplinary approaches for a wide range of applications. Chitosan biomaterials exhibit distinctive attributes, including biodegradability, muco-adhesion, and biocompatibility, as well as a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal properties. Furthermore, chitosan stands as the sole naturally occurring cationic polysaccharide, and it can be chemically tailored into various derivatives, depending on the intended role and utilization. The potential applications of chitosan are vast and intriguing, with many yet to be fully explored and understood. The unique characteristics of chitosan have sparked growing attentiveness in pharmaceutical industries and biomedical areas around the globe. The characteristics of chitosan like its biocompatibility, and anti-inflammatory effects hold the potential to yield promising outcomes in wound healing and periodontal care following tooth extractions. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of potential applications of chitosan in the field of dentistry.

Comparing defoliation and canopy sprays to delay ripening of Sauvignon blanc grapes

Higher temperatures caused by climate change are responsible for early maturation process which is often linked to low quality of grapes and wines. In this study, different canopy management techniques were tested and compared over three consecutive years (2017–19) with the aim to evaluate their capacity to delay ripening of Sauvignon blanc/SO4 grapes. These included a defoliation performed at veraison and the applications of antitranspirant (containing pinolene), kaolin and chitosan at bunch closure and veraison. The effects of the treatments on grapevine leaf gas exchanges, chlorophyll content and overall water status were measured during the three vegetative seasons. Moreover, soluble solids content and titratable acidity of berries were monitored from veraison until harvest, when final yield and berry composition were assessed. Pinolene transiently reduced the carbon assimilation rate and, independently from the growing season, significantly reduced sugar concentration in berries at harvest by -1.5°Brix as compared to the control. The defoliation reduced vine yield by 10–15 %, without significantly affecting total sugar and acid concentrations at harvest when compared to control. Kaolin and chitosan increased significantly berry acidity at harvest as compared to other treatments (i.e. defoliation and pinolene), but not to control. Under the temperate and rainy growing conditions of northeastern Italy, the antitranspirant product proved its potential as ripening retardant on a white grapevine cultivar. The high frequency of the rainfall events during the considered seasons partially hindered the full potential efficacy of the considered products sprayed to the canopy, questioning their overall efficacy under such conditions and mode of application.

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Application in the Treatment of Skin Injury

This research was aimed to explore the application of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat skin injury. Method: the VEGF-loaded CS NPs (VEGF/CS-NPs) were prepared, and a skin injury model on the back skin of rats was established. The VEGF/CS-NPs were applied to the injury model to observe the skin changes in the wound area of each group, compare the healing rate, the number of micro-vessels, and VEGF expression in each group of rats, so as to explore the intervention effect of VEGF/CS-NPs in skin injury. Results: the prepared VEGF/CS-NPs were spherical or quasi-spherical in morphology, uniformly dispersed, with smooth surfaces and relatively uniform size. The average particle size (PS) of the blank CS-NPs was 267.5 nm± 25.3 nm, while that of the drug-loaded CS-NPs was 298.6 nm ±44.7 nm, and the PS distribution was also very concentrated. The genipin cross-linked NPs could effectively prevent the degradation of the spherical wall and achieve the slow release of VEGF. After VEGF was applied to rats in the form of NPs, its healing rate and micro-vessel count were markedly superior to those of VEGF injection alone and blank group (P < 0.05), and VEGF expression in skin injury tissues was also greatly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: VEGF/CS-NPs could improve the bioavailability of VEGF and promote the healing of rat skin injuries.

Chitosan extracted from Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) induced bioactive compound and pigment content in Centella asiatica

Pegagan (Centela asiatica) is a plant contains a diversity of secondary metabolites. Chitosan, which is primarily derived from crustaceans and some certain insects, has been proposed as an active elicitor that enhances plant bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan application extracted from cricket (Grylus bimaculatus) and commercial chitosan to induce bioactive compound and pigment content in C. asiatica. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Chitosan treatments were CN (without chitosan as control), CR (cricket chitosan at 50 ppm), and CM (commercial chitosan at 50 ppm), which were applied by spraying the leaves daily for 7 days. The changes in morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of the plants were analyzed after treatment. The result showed that foliar spray using cricket chitosan with 50 ppm doses induced the plants to have the highest bioactive compounds and pigment content. The enhancement levels of its bioactive compound and pigment content might contribute to the enhancement of its antioxidant activity levels of C. asiatica extract. This result highlights the remarkable potential of cricket (G. bimaculatus) as a promising alternative source of chitosan that can be used to stimulate bioactive compounds in C. asiatica.

Layer by layer application of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose coatings delays ripening of mango fruit by suppressing cell wall polysaccharides disassembly

Mango is a climacteric fruit that ripens quickly after harvest due to its climacteric nature. Edible coatings have been reported to delay the ripening of various harvested fruit. The efficacy of the applied edible coatings could be improved by using in combination as a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach. So, the influence of LBL application of chitosan (CH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was studied on mangoes during postharvest storage at 15 °C for 20 days. Mangoes were coated with monolayers of CH (1 % w/v) and CMC (1 % w/v) as well as LBL application of CH and CMC and were compared with control. The treatment of mangoes with CH and CMC-based LBL treatment resulted in lower decay percentage and weight loss along with higher total chlorophyll pigments and suppressed total carotenoid accumulation. The LBL application of CH and CMC showed lower activity of chlorophyll degrading such as chlorophyllase (CPS), pheophytinase (Phe), Mg-dechalatase (MGD) and chlorophyll degrading peroxidase (Chl-POD) enzymes as well as reduced changes in b*, a* and L* along with a suppressed increase in ethylene (EP) and CO2 production (CPR) rates having higher antioxidant such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activity. In addition, mangoes coated with LBL treatment of CH and CMC exhibited lower water-soluble pectin (WSP) and higher protopectin (PP) having higher concentrations of chelate soluble (CSP) and sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SCP). Similarly, LBL-coated mangoes showed significantly higher hemicellulose (HCLS) and cellulose (CLS) contents in contrast with control. It was observed that mangoes coated with CH and CMC-based LBL coating exhibited higher flesh firmness and showed suppressed cellulase (CS), pectin methylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG) and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) enzymes activity. The concentrations of total soluble solids and ripening index were markedly lower and titratable acidity was higher in the LBL-based coating treatment in comparison with control. In conclusion, LBL treatment based on CH and CMC coatings could be used for the delay of ripening and softening of harvested mangoes.

Strategies for the Preparation of Chitosan Derivatives for Antimicrobial, Drug Delivery, and Agricultural Applications: A Review.

Chitosan has received much attention for its role in designing and developing novel derivatives as well as its applications across a broad spectrum of biological and physiological activities, owing to its desirable characteristics such as being biodegradable, being a biopolymer, and its overall eco-friendliness. The main objective of this review is to explore the recent chemical modifications of chitosan that have been achieved through various synthetic methods. These chitosan derivatives are categorized based on their synthetic pathways or the presence of common functional groups, which include alkylated, acylated, Schiff base, quaternary ammonia, guanidine, and heterocyclic rings. We have also described the recent applications of chitosan and its derivatives, along with nanomaterials, their mechanisms, and prospective challenges, especially in areas such as antimicrobial activities, targeted drug delivery for various diseases, and plant agricultural domains. The accumulation of these recent findings has the potential to offer insight not only into innovative approaches for the preparation of chitosan derivatives but also into their diverse applications. These insights may spark novel ideas for drug development or drug carriers, particularly in the antimicrobial, medicinal, and plant agricultural fields.

Nanoencapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil into Chitosan crosslinked to Tripolyphosphate nanoparticles and Alginate/Chitosan nanoparticles: Formulation, characterization, in vitro release study, and in vivo evaluation

This study delves into the intricate realm of nanoencapsulation, focusing on the application of chitosan crosslinked to TPP and alginate/chitosan-based nanoparticles to encapsulate Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil. The core objective was to unravel the potential pharmacological merits and controlled release dynamics underpinning this novel encapsulation technique. The experimental results painted a compelling portrait of rosemary oil, showcasing its multifaceted efficacy as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant agent. In the realm of nanotechnology, we were able to formulate nanoparticles under 100 nm, demonstrating exceptional stability. A pivotal aspect of this research revolved around encapsulation efficiency, determined via UV-vis spectroscopy. The results proved staggering, illustrating an encapsulation rate surpassing the 98% benchmark, ensuring minimal essential oil wastage. In vitro assays illuminated the controlled, sustained release attributes of the encapsulated essential oil, thereby further substantiating the potential of this encapsulation approach. FTIR analysis provided insights into the intricate interactions transpiring within these nanoparticles. Venturing into living organisms, our comprehensive in vivo assessments confirmed the significant analgesic activity of our nanoparticles encapsulating rosemary essential oil. This revelation opens exciting prospects for therapeutic applications. Microscopic observations into the SEM solidified the presence and even distribution of these nanoparticles. These compelling findings chart new avenues for the development of more potent, precisely targeted pharmaceutical interventions.
 Keywords: Rosemary essential oil, chitosan, sodium alginate, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoencapsulation

A scientometric analysis and recent advances of emerging chitosan-based biomaterials as potential catalyst for biodiesel production: A review

Chitosan is a widely available polymer with a reasonably high abundance, as well as a sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible material with different functional groups that are used in a wide range of operations. Chitosan is frequently employed in widespread applications such as environmental remediation, adsorption, catalysts, and drug formulation. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential applications of chitosan and its chemically modified solids as a catalyst in biodiesel production. The existing manuscripts are integrated based on the nature of materials used as chitosan and its modifications. A short overview of chitosan's structural characteristics, properties, and some ideal methods to be considered in catalysis activities are addressed. This article includes an analysis of a chitosan-based scientometric conducted between 1975 and 2023 using VOS viewer 1.6.19. To identify developments and technological advances in chitosan research, the significant scientometric features of yearly publication results, documents country network, co-authorship network, documents funding sponsor, documents institution network, and documents category in domain analysis were examined. This review covers a variety of organic transformations and their effects, including chitosan reactions against acids, bases, metals, metal oxides, organic compounds, lipases, and Knoevenagel condensation. The catalytic capabilities of chitosan and its modified structures for producing biodiesel through transesterification reactions are explored in depth.

A novel baking additive: Preparation, characterization, and application of chitosan hydrochloride/carboxymethyl starch sodium nano-gel for wheat bread

In this study, we hypothesized that chitosan hydrochloride/carboxymethyl starch sodium (CHC-CMS-Na) nanogels could improve bread quality as a baking additive. Starch-based nanogels were prepared by the covalent crosslinking of CHC and CMS-Na using EDC·HCl (1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride). The CHC-CMS-Na nano-gel with the ratio of CHC: CMS-Na (2:1, v/v) at pH 3 exhibited the smallest particle size of 41.85 nm, with a PDI of 0.33, highest yield, spherical shape, and the formation of new bonds at 1596 cm−1 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The CHC-CMS-Na nano-gel exhibited viscoelasticity and had higher G′ of and G". The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that the addition of CHC disrupted the crystalline structure of CMS-Na and the corresponding peaks gradually weakened, providing further evidence for CHC-CMS-Na nano-gel formation. Compared to the control sample, the wheat bread with 0.50% (w/w) CHC-CMS-Na nano-gel had a better specific volume of 3.12 mL/g, moisture content of 25.12% (primarily composed of bound and partially bound water), better porosity of 6.06%, and the springiness of bread increased from 0.87 to 0.93 and the hardness decreased from 1367.17 gf to 1283.62 gf. Therefore, CHC-CMS-Na nanogels have great potential as novel baking additives in the food industry.

The Potential of Chitosan-Starch Blend Polymers as Edible Coatings for The Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables: A Mini-Review

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human life. Maintaining the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables are critical challenges for the food packaging industry in this decade. Chitosan and starch are most widely used for food packaging as they bring unique properties for packaging applications. Chitosan has good antimicrobial properties but weak water vapor permeability. Meanwhile, starch has a better water vapor barrier but has poor mechanical properties. This paper discusses the application of chitosan and starch blends in the field of films and coatings. Several characteristics, such as mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial properties, solubility, and water vapor permeability, are also discussed. This review also discussed several applications of chitosan-starch-based films and coatings for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Chitosan-iron oxide nanoparticle preparation and performance as a lipid-lowering agent in serum patients with nephrotic syndrome

Objective: The main objectives of this study was to Prepare and study the structural features of chitosan/iron oxide nanoparticles CS-FeO NPs and to examine the applications of chitosan nanoparticles as a lipid-lowering agent in children with nephrotic syndrome
 Method: The preparation processes for nanoparticles are described in depth. Chitosan nanoparticle applications are shown. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) indicated that the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were pure Fe3O4 with a spinel structure and the coating of chitosan did not result in a phase change.
 Results: The coating of CTS onto the Fe3O4 nanoparticles was also demonstrated by the measurement of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Magnetic measurement revealed that the saturated magnetization of the Fe3O4–chitosan nanoparticles reached +18.3 mV and the nanoparticles showed the characteristics of superparamagnetic.
 Conclusion: Magnetic Fe3O4–chitosan nanoparticles were prepared successfully by the covalent binding of CTS on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. These microspheres was apply to the magnetic-field-assisted lipid lowering processes.

Utilization and Applications of Chitosan Extracted from Solenocera crassicornis Exoskeleton

In marine arthropods, the largest group Crustaceans contains 30,000 species. The shells of marine crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, contribute to pollution in coastal areas as biowaste. The crustacean shell wastes consist of approximately 8-10 % chitin, 30-65 % protein, and 10-20 % calcium. Chitosan, a natural biodegradable polymer derived from chitin, finds applications in various fields. In the present paper, the chitosan was extracted from Solenocera crassicornis shrimp shells through a three-step process, which includes demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. The physicochemical properties of chitosan including ash, moisture content, degree of deacetylation, water and fat binding capacity, and solubility were analyzed. This study explored the diverse applications of chitosan, including its antimicrobial, shelf-life enhancement, anticoagulant, and wastewater treatment properties. This study concluded that chitosan can be suitable for application in various fields including medicine, cosmetology, biotechnology, the edible film industry, and water purification.

Metabolic and Transcriptomic Approaches of Chitosan and Water Stress on Polyphenolic and Terpenoid Components and Gene Expression in Salvia abrotanoides (Karl.) and S. yangii.

In this research, a HPLC analysis, along with transcriptomics tools, was applied to evaluate chitosan and water stress for the prediction of phenolic flavonoids patterns and terpenoid components accumulation in Salvia abrotanoides Karel and S. yangii. The results indicated that the tanshinone contents under drought stress conditions increased 4.2-fold with increasing drought stress intensity in both species. The rosmarinic acid content in the leaves varied from 0.038 to 11.43 mg/g DW. In addition, the flavonoid content was increased (1.8 and 1.4-fold) under mild water deficit conditions with a moderate concentration of chitosan (100 mg L-1). The application of foliar chitosan at 100 and 200 mg L-1 under well-watered and mild stress conditions led to increases in hydroxyl cryptotanshinone (OH-CT) and cryptotanshinone (CT) contents as the major terpenoid components in both species. The expressions of the studied genes (DXS2, HMGR, KSL, 4CL, and TAT) were also noticeably induced by water deficit and variably modulated by the treatment with chitosan. According to our findings, both the drought stress and the application of foliar chitosan altered the expression levels of certain genes. Specifically, we observed changes in the expression levels of DXS and HMGR, which are upstream genes in the MEP and MVA pathways, respectively. Additionally, the expression level of KSL, a downstream gene involved in diterpenoid synthesis, was also affected. Finally, the present investigation confirmed that chitosan treatments and water stress were affected in both the methylerythritol phosphate pathway (MEP) and mevalonate (MVA) pathways, but their commitment to the production of other isoprenoids has to be considered and discussed.

Can Chitosan Applications in Pre- and Post-Harvest Affect the Quality and Antioxidant Contents of Red Raspberries?

Red raspberry fruit production is increasing worldwide due to the growing consumer interest in foods with high antioxidant properties. However, raspberries are very perishable fruit with a short shelf life. Chitosan applications have shown promising results in promoting the storage of different berry fruit. This work aimed at analysing the effects of chitosan applied in pre- and/or post-harvest on the quality and antioxidant properties of raspberry fruit during cold storage and room temperature conditions (i.e., 6 d at 4 °C and 3 d at 20 °C, respectively). Pre-harvest chitosan applications reduced fruit weight loss during cold storage and room temperature conditions but also reduced fruit decay at room temperature conditions. At the end of the whole storage conditions, chitosan-coated raspberries at pre-harvest were brighter than those of the uncoated control fruit. Furthermore, pre-harvest treatments with chitosan increased the total phenol and anthocyanin contents and promoted the highest total antioxidant activity compared with other treatments. After cold storage, post-harvest chitosan application drastically reduced the development of fungi that cause fruit decay, thus minimizing the potential risk of mycotoxin production. Overall, this study demonstrates that applications of chitosan in pre-harvest are sufficient to ensure the goal of maintaining and/or increasing fruit quality and antioxidant properties during cold storage and room temperature conditions.

Immunomodulatory chitosan nanoparticles for Toxoplasma gondii infection: Novel application of chitosan in complex propranolol-hydrochloride as an adjuvant in vaccine delivery

The study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of propranolol hydrochloride (PRO) in combination with chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) as an adjuvant to develop an effective vaccine against T. gondii. A total of 105 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven equal groups including PBS alone, CS NPs, SAG1 (Surface antigen 1), CS-SAG1 NPs, CS-PRO NPs, SAG1-PRO, and CS-SAG1-PRO NPs. The immunostimulatory effect of each adjuvant used for vaccine delivery was evaluated in a mice immunization model. The results showed that the mice immunized with CS-SAG1-PRO NPs exhibited the highest lymphocyte proliferation rate, along with increased secretion of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23, as well as elevated levels of protective cytokines such as TGF-β, IL-27, and IL-10. Although, the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs immunized mice showed the highest level of T. gondii specific IgG compared to the other groups, a significant production of IgG2a and IgG1 was observed in the sera of mice immunized with the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs compared to the other group (p <0.001). The higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratio observed in the CS-SAG1-PRO NPs group indicates a bias towards Th1 cell polarization, suggesting the promotion of Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. Considering the combination of the highest lymphocyte proliferation and survival rates, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, and cytokine levels in the mice immunized with CS-SAG1-PRO NPs, this approach holds promise for immunostimulation and vaccine delivery against T. gondii infection.

Effect of water stress and foliar application of chitosan and glycine betaine on lettuce

The present study investigated the effect of foliar application of chitosan at 150 ppm and glycine betaine at 700 ppm on lettuce plants cv. Balady grown under well-watered and water deficit conditions in terms of growth, yield, quality, and water usage efficiency. The study was conducted in Qalubia Governorate, Egypt, during the two seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 on clay soil. Results indicated that water-stressed plants had a reduction in plant fresh weight, plant height, leaf area, and total yield, chlorophyll content and relative water content, while they exhibited an increase in total soluble solids, nitrate, and proline contents as well as water-use efficiency in both seasons. The foliar application of chitosan or glycine betaine to lettuce significantly improved plant performance under limited and normal irrigation conditions in comparison with untreated plants. The maximum positive effect was for chitosan foliar application. Overall, the results of this study indicated that foliar application of chitosan or glycine betaine was a substitute technology for improving the lettuce yield and quality as well as increasing water use efficiency under both irrigation regimes, but may be more efficient in lettuce plants subjected to a water deficit.

Chitosan and cyanobacterial biomass accounting physiological and biochemical development of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under nutrient stress conditions

AbstractIn the spirit of getting back to nature and using science to increase crop productivity without posing any threat to the environment, researchers are paying attention to making natural products alternative sources of nutrients for plants at affordable prices. On top of this, chitosan and cyanobacteria have become popular in agriculture as metabolic enhancers, biofertilizers, and antimicrobial properties. Cyanobacteria are known to possess biostimulating properties while chitosan is well known for its inherent biological properties. With the aim of minimizing the application of nitrogen, this experiment was conducted for the first time to check if the application of chitosan, microalgae, or both with 50% nitrogen can balance the nutrient requirement for different physiological and biochemical development as effectively as a 100% nitrogen dose. The data were recorded only for the early vegetative stages, as the seeds were non‐vernalized. The basic parameters recorded were hexose content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total phenol content, and relative water content (RWC). In most of the parameters, comparable results were found between the control (with a 100% nitrogen recommended dose) and other treatments (where either microalga, chitosan, or both were added), whereas it was clearly shown that 50% of recommended nitrogen doses reduce the hexose, chlorophyll, and RWCs. Thus, the treatments were effective in supplementing the developmental requirements. Therefore, the combined use of chitosan and cyanobacteria on crops significantly lowers nitrogen fertilization, increases photosynthesis, enhances resistance to water stress, and enhances antioxidant activity in modern agriculture.