Chitin

Abstract: Cellular Materials Cellulose Cellulose, Biosynthesis Cellulose, Graft Copolymers Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose Derivatives Cellulose Esters, Inorganic Cellulose Esters, Organic Cellulose Ethers Cement Additives Chain-Reaction Polymerization Chain Transfer Characterization of Polymers Charge-Transfer Complexes Chelate- Forming Polymers Chemical Analysis Chemically Resistant Polymers Chitin Chloroprene Polymers Chlorotrifluorethylene Polymers Chromatography Classification of Polymerization Reactions Coating Methods Coatings Coatings, Electrodeposition Cold Forming.

Abstract: Chitin is the most abundant natural amino polysaccharide and is estimated to be produced annually almost as much as cellulose. It has become of great interest not only as an underutilized resource, but also as a new functional material of high potential in various fields, and recent progress in chitin chemistry is quite noteworthy. The purpose of this review is to take a closer look at chitin and chitosan applications. Based on current research and existing products, some new and futuristic approaches in this fascinating area are thoroughly discussed.

Abstract: Chitin and chitosan (CS) are biopolymers having immense structural possibilities for chemical and mechanical modifications to generate novel properties, functions and applications especially in biomedical area. Despite its huge availability, the utilization of chitin has been restricted by its intractability and insolubility. The fact that chitin is as an effective material for sutures essentially because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity together with its antimicrobial activity and low immunogenicity, points to immense potential for future development. This review discusses the various attempts reported on solving this problem from the point of view of the chemistry and the structure of these polymers highlighting the drawbacks and advantages of each method and proposes that based on considerations of structure–property relations, it is possible to obtain chitin fibers with improved strength by making use of their nanostructures and/or mesophase properties of chitin.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Wound dressing is one of the most promising medical applications for chitin and chitosan. The adhesive nature of chitin and chitosan, together with their antifungal and bactericidal character, and their permeability to oxygen, is a very important property associated with the treatment of wounds and burns. Different derivatives of chitin and chitosan have been prepared for this purpose in the form of hydrogels, fibers, membranes, scaffolds and sponges. The purpose of this review is to take a closer look on the wound dressing applications of biomaterials based on chitin, chitosan and their derivatives in various forms in detail.