Chemical Modifications of Chitin and Chitosan

Abstract

Although chitin may be less advanced than cellulose with regard to research and utilization, it has recently begun to attract much attention in both basic and applied research fields, including not only biology and biochemistry but also organic and polymer chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine. The number of reports and patents is increasing at a remarkable rate. Besides basic research, many attempts have been made to find new applications for chitin. Further basic studies, however, seem to be necessary to realize its full potential. One possible breakthrough in chitin chemistry and technology is the development of chemical modifications of chitin which are being studied more and more actively to explore highly sophisticated functions. Chitin can be regarded as a new type of polymeric material having greater possibilities than cellulose in many respects. Since it is an amino polysaccharide, chitin is capable of undergoing many additional modification reactions. It is anticipated that widespread applications will be found in the near future.