Chitosan
Chitosan
Chitosan (pronounced: kai-toe-san) is a linear polysaccharide derived from chitin, a natural polymer found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects.
Etymology
The term "chitosan" comes from the Greek word "chiton," which means "tunic" or "coat," referring to the protective shell of the animals from which it is derived.
Definition
Chitosan is a biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioactive material. It is used in a variety of applications due to its unique properties, including its ability to form films, bind to fats, and deliver drugs.
Applications
Chitosan has a wide range of applications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. In medicine, it is used in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. In agriculture, it is used as a biopesticide and biofertilizer. In biotechnology, it is used in the production of biodegradable plastics and biofuels.
Related Terms
- Chitin: A long-chain polymer of a N-acetylglucosamine, a derivative of glucose, which is the main component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods, and the beaks and internal shells of cephalopods.
- Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate that is composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages.
- Biodegradable: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
- Biocompatible: Not having toxic or injurious effects on biological systems.
- Bioactive: Having a biological effect.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chitosan
- Wikipedia's article - Chitosan
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