Appraisal of Chitosan-Based Nanomaterials in Enzyme Immobilization and Probiotics Encapsulation

Abstract

Chitosan is an amino-polysaccharide made of glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Owing to its biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic nature, chitosan is considered as biomaterial, and these unique properties attested that chitosan has greater potential for biological applications. As cationic molecule, chitosan interacts with negatively charged gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal surface and hence is considered as potent mucoadhesive. Therefore chitosan-based encapsulation techniques provide better viability of probiotic microorganisms and protecting the latter in food products and at GI tract. In recent eons, chitosan or chitosan-based nanocomposites are considered as an attractive supportive matrix for enzyme immobilization because of the presence of reactive groups like amino and hydroxyl which supports long-term reusability of the immobilized biocatalyst. The current assignment highlights the recent research and cutting-edge strategies regarding chitosan-based nanomaterials in the field of probiotics encapsulation and enzyme immobilization.