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Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 46797

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Dr. Katarína Valachová

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Centre of Experimental Medicine of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: hyaluronan; reactive oxygen species; drugs; antioxidants; biopolymers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the success of the first edition of the Special Issue “Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications”, we have launched a second edition.

Chitin is a natural linear polysaccharide composed of β-(1–4)-poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units. Chitin has a wide distribution in many species, including crustaceans and insect exoskeletons, as well as in some bacterial and fungal cell walls. Chitosan is another nitrogen-containing polysaccharide consisting of β-(1–4)-poly-D-glucosamine units. Chitosan has been found in many fungi species. It can also be prepared commercially via a simple deacetylation process of chitin.

Both chitin and chitosan derivatives have excellent biological properties, including being nontoxic, mucoadhesive, hemocompatible, and biodegradable and possessing antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These properties make them attractive biomaterials for different applications, especially in medicine. The examination of chitin derivatives in medicinal and other fields is of high interest, as has been documented in numerous papers in the last few years.

This Special Issue titled “Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II” aims to gather studies concerning chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives. The main topics of interest are the preparation of chitin, chitosan, or its derivatives and their applications in medicine, cosmetics, the food industry, water treatments, etc. and the effects of these compounds against reactive oxygen species. For this Special Issue, high-quality research papers will be accepted along with review papers summarizing the state of the art of a specific area of this field of research.

Dr. Katarína Valachová
Guest Editor

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Keywords

chitin
chitosan
functionalized chitin and chitosan
chitin and chitosan derivatives
medicinal applications

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Extracted from Hermetia illucens Relative to Crab Chitosan

by Adelya Khayrova, Sergey Lopatin, Balzhima Shagdarova, Olga Sinitsyna, Arkady Sinitsyn and Valery Varlamov

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020577 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

This study shows the research on the depolymerisation of insect and crab chitosans using novel enzymes. Enzyme preparations containing recombinant chitinase Chi 418 from Trichoderma harzianum, chitinase Chi 403, and chitosanase Chi 402 from Myceliophthora thermophila, all belonging to the family GH18 of glycosyl hydrolases, were used to depolymerise a biopolymer, resulting in a range of chitosans with average molecular weights (M_w) of 6–21 kDa. The depolymerised chitosans obtained from crustaceans and insects were studied, and their antibacterial and antifungal properties were evaluated. The results proved the significance of the chitosan’s origin, showing the potential of Hermetia illucens as a new source of low molecular weight chitosan with an improved biological activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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13 pages, 2773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mouse Acidic Chitinase Effectively Degrades Random-Type Chitosan to Chitooligosaccharides of Variable Lengths under Stomach and Lung Tissue pH Conditions

by Satoshi Wakita, Yasusato Sugahara, Masayuki Nakamura, Syunsuke Kobayashi, Kazuhisa Matsuda, Chinatsu Takasaki, Masahiro Kimura, Yuta Kida, Maiko Uehara, Eri Tabata, Koji Hiraoka, Shiro Seki, Vaclav Matoska, Peter O. Bauer and Fumitaka Oyama

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6706; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216706 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2035

Abstract

Chitooligosaccharides exhibit several biomedical activities, such as inflammation and tumorigenesis reduction in mammals. The mechanism of the chitooligosaccharides’ formation in vivo has been, however, poorly understood. Here we report that mouse acidic chitinase (Chia), which is widely expressed in mouse tissues, can produce chitooligosaccharides from deacetylated chitin (chitosan) at pH levels corresponding to stomach and lung tissues. Chia degraded chitin to produce N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) dimers. The block-type chitosan (heterogenous deacetylation) is soluble at pH 2.0 (optimal condition for mouse Chia) and was degraded into chitooligosaccharides with various sizes ranging from di- to nonamers. The random-type chitosan (homogenous deacetylation) is soluble in water that enables us to examine its degradation at pH 2.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Incubation of these substrates with Chia resulted in the more efficient production of chitooligosaccharides with more variable sizes was from random-type chitosan than from the block-type form of the molecule. The data presented here indicate that Chia digests chitosan acquired by homogenous deacetylation of chitin in vitro and in vivo. The degradation products may then influence different physiological or pathological processes. Our results also suggest that bioactive chitooligosaccharides can be obtained conveniently using homogenously deacetylated chitosan and Chia for various biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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16 pages, 46213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Substitution Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Chitosan for Properties Improvement of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Films Depending on Particle Sizes

by Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Noppol Leksawasdi, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Pensak Jantrawut, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Sarana Rose Sommano, Winita Punyodom, Alissara Reungsang, Thi Minh Phuong Ngo, Parichat Thipchai, Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn and Pornchai Rachtanapun

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 6013; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26196013 - 3 Oct 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4729

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of chitosan particle sizes on the properties of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) powders and films. Chitosan powders with different particle sizes (75, 125, 250, 450 and 850 µm) were used to synthesize the CMCh powders. The yield, degree of substitution (DS), and water solubility of the CMCh powders were then determined. The CMCh films prepared with CMCh based on chitosan with different particle sizes were fabricated by a solution casting technique. The water solubility, mechanical properties, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the CMCh films were measured. As the chitosan particle size decreased, the yield, DS, and water solubility of the synthesized CMCh powders increased. The increase in water solubility was due to an increase in the polarity of the CMCh powder, from a higher conversion of chitosan into CMCh. In addition, the higher conversion of chitosan was also related to a higher surface area in the substitution reaction provided by chitosan powder with a smaller particle size. As the particle size of chitosan decreased, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and WVTR of the CMCh films increased. This study demonstrated that a greater improvement in water solubility of the CMCh powders and films can be achieved by using chitosan powder with a smaller size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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19 pages, 18435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Film-Forming Spray of Water-Soluble Chitosan Containing Liposome-Coated Human Epidermal Growth Factor for Wound Healing

by Abd. Kakhar Umar, Sriwidodo Sriwidodo, Iman Permana Maksum and Nasrul Wathoni

Molecules 2021, 26(17), 5326; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26175326 - 2 Sep 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6074

Abstract

Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) has been known to have excellent wound-healing activity. However, direct application to the wound area can lead to low hEGF bioavailability due to protease enzymes or endocytosis. The use of liposomes as coatings and carriers can protect hEGF from degradation by enzymes, chemical reactions, and immune reactions. Sustained release using a matrix polymer can also keep the levels of hEGF in line with the treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a film-forming spray of water-soluble chitosan (FFSWSC) containing hEGF-liposomes as a potential wound dressing. The hEGF-liposomes were prepared using the hydration film method, and the preparation of the FFSWSC was achieved by the ionic gelation method. The hydration film method produced hEGF-liposomes that were round and spread with a Z-average of 219.3 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 99.87%, whereas the film-forming solution, which provided good sprayability, had a formula containing 2% WSC and 3% propylene glycol with a viscosity, spray angle, droplet size, spray weight, and occlusion factor of 21.94 ± 0.05 mPa.s, 73.03 ± 1.28°, 54.25 ± 13.33 µm, 0.14 ± 0.00 g, and 14.57 ± 3.41%, respectively. The pH, viscosity, and particle size of the FFSWSC containing hEGF-liposomes were stable during storage for a month in a climatic chamber (40 ± 2 °C, RH 75 ± 5%). A wound healing activity test on mice revealed that hEGF-liposomes in FFSWSC accelerated wound closure significantly, with a complete wound closure on day 6. Based on the findings, we concluded that FFSWSC containing hEGF-liposomes has the potential to be used as a wound dressing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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13 pages, 3312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Development of Chitosan/Calotropis procera-Based Hydrogels to Stimulate Formation of Granulation Tissue and Angiogenesis in Wound Healing Applications

by Muhammad Zahid, Maria Lodhi, Zulfiqar Ahmad Rehan, Hamna Tayyab, Talha Javed, Rubab Shabbir, Ahmed Mukhtar, Ayman EL Sabagh, Robert Adamski, Mohamed I. Sakran and Dorota Siuta

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3284; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113284 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3624

Abstract

The formation of new scaffolds to enhance healing magnitude is necessarily required in biomedical applications. Granulation tissue formation is a crucial stage of wound healing in which granulation tissue grows on the surface of a wound by the formation of connective tissue and blood vessels. In the present study, porous hydrogels were synthesized using chitosan incorporating latex of the Calotropis procera plant by using a freeze–thaw cycle to stimulate the formation of granulation tissue and angiogenesis in wound healing applications. Structural analysis through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between chitosan and Calotropis procera. Latex extract containing hydrogel showed slightly higher absorption than the control during water absorption analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed high thermal stability of the 60:40 combination of chitosan (CS) and Calotropis procera as compared to all other treatments and controls. A fabricated scaffold application on a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) showed that all hydrogels containing latex extract resulted in a significant formation of blood vessels and regeneration of cells. Overall, the formation of connective tissues and blood capillaries and healing magnitude decreased in ascending order of concentration of extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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15 pages, 2546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical, Structural, and Biological Properties of Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite/Silica Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Robert Adamski and Dorota Siuta

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 1976; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071976 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

The aim of this work was to fabricate novel bioactive composites based on chitosan and non-organic silica, reinforced with calcium β-glycerophosphate (Ca-GP), sodium β-glycerophosphate pentahydrate (Na-GP), and hydroxyapatite powder (HAp) in a range of concentrations using the sol–gel method. The effect of HAp, Na-GP, and Ca-GP contents on the mechanical properties, i.e., Young’s modulus, compressive strength, and yield strain, of hybrid composites was analyzed. The microstructure of the materials obtained was visualized by SEM. Moreover, the molecular interactions according to FTIR analysis and biocompatibility of composites obtained were examined. The CS/Si/HAp/Ca-GP developed from all composites analyzed was characterized by the well-developed surface of pores of two sizes: large ones of 100 μm and many smaller pores below 10 µm, the behavior of which positively influenced cell proliferation and growth, as well as compressive strength in a range of 0.3 to 10 MPa, Young’s modulus from 5.2 to 100 MPa, and volumetric shrinkage below 60%. This proved to be a promising composite for applications in tissue engineering, e.g., filling small bone defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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19 pages, 2215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan Films Obtained from Brachystola magna (Girard) and Its Evaluation on Quality Attributes in Sausages during Storage

by Juan Manuel Tirado-Gallegos, Paul Baruk Zamudio-Flores, Miguel Espino-Díaz, René Salgado-Delgado, Gilber Vela-Gutiérrez, Francisco Hernández-Centeno, Haydee Yajaira López-De la Peña, María Hernández-González, J Rodolfo Rendón-Villalobos and Adalberto Ortega-Ortega

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061782 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2571

Abstract

High molecular weight chitosan (≈322 kDa) was obtained from chitin isolated from Brachystola magna (Girard) to produced biodegradable films. Their physicochemical, mechanical and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties were compared against commercial chitosan films with different molecular weights. Brachystola magna chitosan films (CFBM) exhibited similar physicochemical and mechanical characteristics to those of commercial chitosans. The CFBM films presented lower WVP values (10.01 × 10⁻¹¹ g/m s Pa) than commercial chitosans films (from 16.06 × 10⁻¹¹ to 64.30 × 10⁻¹¹ g/m s Pa). Frankfurt-type sausages were covered with chitosan films and stored in refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Their quality attributes (color, weight loss, pH, moisture, texture and lipid oxidation) were evaluated at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. Sausages covered with CFMB films presented the lowest weight loss (from 1.24% to 2.38%). A higher increase in hardness (from 22.32 N to 30.63 N) was observed in sausages covered with CFMB films. Compared with other films and the control (uncovered sausages), CFMB films delay pH reduction. Moreover, this film presents the lower lipid oxidation level (0.10 malonaldehyde mg/sample kg). Thus, chitosan of B. magna could be a good alternative as packaging material for meat products with high-fat content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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Review

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19 pages, 24753 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chitosan and Whey Protein Bio-Inks for 3D and 4D Printing Applications with Particular Focus on Food Industry

by Wei Yang, Anqianyi Tu, Yuchen Ma, Zhanming Li, Jie Xu, Min Lin, Kailong Zhang, Linzhi Jing, Caili Fu, Yang Jiao and Lingyi Huang

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010173 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5665

Abstract

The application of chitosan (CS) and whey protein (WP) alone or in combination in 3D/4D printing has been well considered in previous studies. Although several excellent reviews on additive manufacturing discussed the properties and biomedical applications of CS and WP, there is a lack of a systemic review about CS and WP bio-inks for 3D/4D printing applications. Easily modified bio-ink with optimal printability is a key for additive manufacturing. CS, WP, and WP–CS complex hydrogel possess great potential in making bio-ink that can be broadly used for future 3D/4D printing, because CS is a functional polysaccharide with good biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and non-carcinogenicity, while CS–WP complex hydrogel has better printability and drug-delivery effectivity than WP hydrogel. The review summarizes the current advances of bio-ink preparation employing CS and/or WP to satisfy the requirements of 3D/4D printing and post-treatment of materials. The applications of CS/WP bio-ink mainly focus on 3D food printing with a few applications in cosmetics. The review also highlights the trends of CS/WP bio-inks as potential candidates in 4D printing. Some promising strategies for developing novel bio-inks based on CS and/or WP are introduced, aiming to provide new insights into the value-added development and commercial CS and WP utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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27 pages, 3419 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan and Chitosan Derivatives in the Treatment of Enteric Infections

by Dazhong Yan, Yanzhen Li, Yinling Liu, Na Li, Xue Zhang and Chen Yan

Molecules 2021, 26(23), 7136; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237136 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 228 | Viewed by 11103

Abstract

Antibiotics played an important role in controlling the development of enteric infection. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance and gut dysbiosis led to a growing interest in the use of natural antimicrobial agents as alternatives for therapy and disinfection. Chitosan is a nontoxic natural antimicrobial polymer and is approved by GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration). Chitosan and chitosan derivatives can kill microbes by neutralizing negative charges on the microbial surface. Besides, chemical modifications give chitosan derivatives better water solubility and antimicrobial property. This review gives an overview of the preparation of chitosan, its derivatives, and the conjugates with other polymers and nanoparticles with better antimicrobial properties, explains the direct and indirect mechanisms of action of chitosan, and summarizes current treatment for enteric infections as well as the role of chitosan and chitosan derivatives in the antimicrobial agents in enteric infections. Finally, we suggested future directions for further research to improve the treatment of enteric infections and to develop more useful chitosan derivatives and conjugates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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17 pages, 3358 KiB

Open AccessReview

Self-Associating Polymers Chitosan and Hyaluronan for Constructing Composite Membranes as Skin-Wound Dressings Carrying Therapeutics

by Katarína Valachová and Ladislav Šoltés

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2535; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092535 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3134

Abstract

Chitosan, industrially acquired by the alkaline N-deacetylation of chitin, belongs to β-N-acetyl-glucosamine polymers. Another β-polymer is hyaluronan. Chitosan, a biodegradable, non-toxic, bacteriostatic, and fungistatic biopolymer, has numerous applications in medicine. Hyaluronan, one of the major structural components of the extracellular matrix in vertebrate tissues, is broadly exploited in medicine as well. This review summarizes that these two biopolymers have a mutual impact on skin wound healing as skin wound dressings and carriers of remedies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chitin and Chitosan: Derivatives and Applications II)

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