Insight on solution plasma in aqueous solution and their application in modification of chitin and chitosan

Abstract

Sustainability and environmental concerns have persuaded researchers to explore renewable materials, such as nature-derived polysaccharides, and add value by changing chemical structures with the aim to possess specific properties, like biological properties. Meanwhile, finding methods and strategies that can lower hazardous chemicals, simplify production steps, reduce time consumption, and acquire high-purified products is an important task that requires attention. To break through these issues, electrical discharging in aqueous solutions at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, referred to as the “solution plasma process”, has been introduced as a novel process for modification of nature-derived polysaccharides like chitin and chitosan. This review reveals insight into the electrical discharge in aqueous solutions and scientific progress on their application in a modification of chitin and chitosan, including degradation and deacetylation. The influencing parameters in the plasma process are intensively explained in order to provide a guideline for the modification of not only chitin and chitosan but also other nature-derived polysaccharides, aiming to address economic aspects and environmental concerns.