Current views on fungal chitin/chitosan, human chitinases, food preservation, glucans, pectins and inulin: A tribute to Henri Braconnot, precursor of the carbohydrate polymers science, on the chitin bicentennial

Abstract

Two hundred years ago, Henri Braconnot described a polysaccharide containing a substantial percent of nitrogen, later to be called chitin: that discovery stemmed from investigations on the composition of edible mushrooms and their nutritional value. The present interdisciplinary article reviews the major research topics explored by Braconnot, and assesses their importance in the light of our most advanced knowledge. Thus, the value of fungi, seafoods and insects is described in connection with the significance of the presence of chitin itself in foods, and chitinases in the human digestive system. The capacity of chitin/chitosan to depress the development of microbial pathogens, is discussed in terms of crop protection and food preservation. Other topics cherished by Braconnot, such as the isolation of pectin from a large number of plants, and inulin from the Helianthus tubers, are presented in up-to-date terms. Acids isolated from plants at that early time, led to enormous scientific advancements, in particular the glyoxylic acid and levulinic acid used for the preparation of soluble chitosan derivatives that paved the way to a number of applications. An opportunity to trace the origins of the carbohydrate polymers science, and to appreciate the European scientific heritage. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.