Chitosan biopolymer and its composites: Processing, properties and applications- A comprehensive review
Abinash Das, Sampad Ghosh, Nabakumar Pramanik
Abstract
Agriculture throughout the world is scrambling to find solutions to the problems caused by conventional chemical fertilizers. Next-generation fertilizers made from biodegradable materials and powered by renewable energy sources might be the solution, resulting in a more efficient use of nutrients and less damage to the environment. A growing body of research over the last decade has shown that chitosan nanoparticles may improve agricultural productivity by delivering nutrients to plants. Chitosan, made from the shells of crabs, the coats of insects, the cell walls of fungus, and some algae, has been known for a long time to have biological properties, especially anti-microbial properties. Chitosan has been demonstrated to have numerous positive effects on plants when added to soil in the form of a soil amendment, including a decrease in pathogen assault and infection. The primary use of chitosan-based nanoparticles in antibacterial applications, administering drugs, vaccine delivery, and callus and tissue regeneration is discussed. Finally, chitosan is an active molecule with potential usage in a wide range of fields, including tissue engineering, cancer therapy, Covid-19 treatment including nasal formulation, antiviral vaccine administration, medicinal applications mainly in Typhoid and Malaria treatment, water purification, food packaging, agriculture, and disease control in plants.