Of course, nowadays the use of nanotechnology and chemical modification of chitosan or the use of oligosaccharides of chitin and chitosan have become somewhat effective, but still the use of chitin and chitosan has limitations.
I am looking to investigate the challenges and problems of using chitin and chitosan and provide solutions to solve these limitations.
With chitin the issue is the solubility of the polymer and its inactivity, it may be cross-linked only with epoxy derivative
Thank you very much for your reply.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to access chitosan with sufficient purity and reliability of its sources.
In addition, the presence of the NH2 group in chitosan which cannot be protonated under physiological or alkaline conditions and cause its water-insoluble and non-microbial activity, which thus greatly limits its application.
Also, in the extraction process, the use of strong bases and acids, high temperatures and large amounts of water for washing steps are represent major limitations.
High viscosity and low solubility in natural pH are other problems.
I am looking for more problems and challenges of chitin and chitosan in food-drug and medical products.
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