Chitosan and its Modifications as Biologically Active Compounds in Different Applications

A chitosan biopolymer is a reactive functional polymer, which gives possibilities for chemical modifications to generate new properties and functions. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity to mammals, and potential biological activities make this compound with its derivatives advantageous for many applications in different fields, such as agriculture, food and nutrition, biomedicine, pharmaceutics, and biotechnology. In this chapter, we provide collaborative studies of the biological activity of chitosan and its major derivatives in different applications. In addition, the chapter provides the latest technological applications and prospects of products based on chitosan molecule.

Keywords: Biological activity, Chemical modification, Chitosan, Physicochemical properties, Technological applications.