Chitin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer after cellulose. The chemical structure of chitin is similar to that of cellulose with 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucose (NAG) monomers attached via β(14) linkages. Chitosan is the deacetylated (to varying degrees) form of chitin, which, unlike chitin, is soluble in acidic solutions. Application of chitinous products in foods and pharmaceuticals as well as processing aids has received considerable attention in recent years as exotic synthetic compounds are losing their appeal. This review summarizes some of the important developments related to food applications of chitin, chitosan and their derivatives.

Food applications of chitin and chitosans

Novel carboxymethyl derivatives of chitin and chitosan materials and their biomedical applications

Edible Films and Coatings: Why, What, and How?.- Structure and Function of Protein-Based Edible Films and Coatings.- Structure and Function of Polysaccharide Gum-Based Edible Films and Coatings.- Structure and Function of Starch-Based Edible Films and Coatings.- Lipid-Based Edible Films and Coatings.- Characterization of Starch and Composite Edible Films and Coatings.- Edible Films and Coatings for Fruits and Vegetables.- Edible Films and Coatings for Meat and Poultry.- Edible Films and Coatings for Flavor Encapsulation.- Delivery of Flavor and Active Ingredients Using Edible Films and Coatings.- Delivery of Food Additives and Antimicrobials Using Edible Films and Coatings.- Application of Infrared Analysis to Edible Films.- Mechanical and Permeability Properties of Edible Films and Coatings for Food and Pharmaceutical Applications.- Commercial Manufacture of Edible Films.

Edible Films and Coatings for Food Applications

Recently, much attention has been paid to chitosan as a potential polysaccharide resource. Although several efforts have been reported to prepare functional derivatives of chitosan by chemical modifications, few attained their antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens. The present paper aims to present an overview of the antimicrobial effects, mechanisms, and applications of a biopolymer chitosan and its derivatives in crop protection. In addition, this paper takes a closer look at the physiochemical properties and chemical modifications of chitosan molecule. The recent growth in this field and the latest research papers published will be introduced and discussed.

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A Biopolymer Chitosan and Its Derivatives as Promising Antimicrobial Agents against Plant Pathogens and Their Applications in Crop Protection

The effectiveness of pre- and postharvest treatments with chitosan (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0%) to control Botrytis cinerea on table grapes was investigated. In postharvest treatments, small bunches dipped in chitosan solutions and inoculated with the pathogen showed a reduction of incidence, severity, and nesting of grey mold, in comparison with the control. Single berries artificially wounded, treated with the polymer, and inoculated with B. cinerea showed a reduced percentage of infected berries and lesion dia. Higher chitosan concentrations demonstrated greater decay reduction. All preharvest treatments significantly reduced the incidence of grey mold, as compared to the control. Table grapes treated with 1.0% chitosan showed a significant increase of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity. Consequently, besides a direct activity against B. cinerea, chitosan produces other effects contributing to reduce decay.

Effects of Pre‐ and Postharvest Chitosan Treatments to Control Storage Grey Mold of Table Grapes

The film-forming ability of chitosan has been the object of many studies, some of which have led to industrial uses in various fields. Photographic films, reverse osmosis membranes and cosmetics containing significant amounts of chitosan are now being marketed.

C. K. Rha

Papers

Filmogenic Properties of Chitin / Chitosan