Studies of application possibilities of the products of microcrystalline chitosan biodegradation

Abstract

Some of the chitosan properties depend largely upon its molecular structure and in several applications of this polymer its lowered molecular weight is an asset. By degrading of micro-crystalline chitosan in the presence of cellulolytic enzymes, the products having a reduced molecular weight were prepared, together with a water soluble blend of oligomers. The outcome of an initial assessment, made to evaluate the chance of a practical use of the obtained products of chitosan degradation, indicates that oligomers and partly degraded microcrystalline chitosan accelerate the germination of seeds, inhibit the growth of plant viruses, bacteria and milder.