From chitin to chitosan – A potential natural antimicrobial agent

Abstract

Chitin is a naturally occurring polymer. Together with its derivatives such as chitosan, it has a wide spectrum of application possibilities, and many properties not yet exploited. Chitosan possesses many features desirable in an ideal antimicrobial polymer. It shows activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains that pose a challenge to modern medicine. Chitosan also shows activity against certain viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. It might be used as a drug or a vaccine delivery system, is biodegradable, bioavailable and considered safe for medical use. It is important to continue exploring the potential of chitosan, as well as to investigate its sources. Indeed, many sources of this polymer are still not or have been poorly described. In this paper, we compile the current state of knowledge on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan, list alternative sources of chitin to highlight the potential of these two polymers and encourage further research.