The Open Biomaterials Journal

2009, 1 : 10-20
Published online 2009 September 11. DOI: 10.2174/1876502500901010010
Publisher ID: TOBIOMTJ-1-10

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Advances in Chitosan Material and its Hybrid Derivatives: A Review

Duck Weon Lee1 , Hosun Lim2 , Ha Na Chong3 and Woo Sub Shim, *,1
1 Fiber and Polymer Science Program, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8301, USA
2 Textile Technology Management Program, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8301, USA
3 Polymer and Color Chemistry Program, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8301, USA

* Address correspondence to this author at the Fiber and Polymer Science Program, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8301, USA; Tel: 1-919-610-9679; Fax: 1-919-515-6532; E-mail: jacob0720@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Chitosan is a safe and friendly substance for the human organism; therefore, 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. Some unique properties make chitosan an excellent material for the development of new industrial applications and recent progress in chitosan material is quite noteworthy. In this review, we mainly take a closer look at various chitosan applications and intend to provide interdisciplinary insight in the scientific knowledge immediately usable to realize fabrications. In addition, based on current research and existing products, some new approaches in this fascinating area are thoroughly discussed

Keywords:

Chitosan, application, agricultural, water treatment, food, medical, biotechnological, fabrication.