Isolation, purification, and nanotechnological applications of Chitosan

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnology has given a new momentum to enhance the inherent characteristics of naturally occurring polysaccharides when these are subjected to nanofabrication. At the nanoscale, the functionality of the polysaccharides is changed drastically. Many properties are concealed in the polysaccharides that are perhaps not yet discovered. The exploration of nanotechnology to engineer polysaccharides may open up a new horizon that can noticeably change every aspect of human life. In this context, chitosan, as one of the important polysaccharides, will only be studied thoroughly not only because of its abundant availability in nature but its versatility in various biomedical and industrial applications as well. Usually, chitosan is found in the exoskeleton of crab, shrimp, prawn, lobster, squid pen, etc. There is a great impact on the properties of chitosan depending on the nature of methods of extraction. That is why the selection of gentle methods for isolation and purification of chitosan from various sources plays a pivotal role. This chapter will mainly emphasize on the isolation and purification method of chitosan as well as nanotechnological applications of selective chitosan-based derivatives.