An overview of chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharides applications in the health sector and the food industry

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of natural compounds has piqued the interest of researchers due to their improved biocompatibility and sustainable origins. Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic properties and its wide-ranging applications in the food and beverage sector. Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) are derivatives of chitosan which often exhibit better biological properties than their parent compound, thereby amplifying interest in their potential benefits. Chitosan has a diverse set of biological properties including being an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory compound. Studies have elucidated how the specific chemical characteristics of chitosan, such as the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation, influence these biological activities. Notably, a lower molecular weight and a higher degree of deacetylation tend to enhance the biological properties of chitosan. Consequently, research has increasingly focused on exploring the potential of COS. Investigations into these compounds have unveiled promising applications in managing various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. Additionally, chitosan and COS films and coatings have been developed and applied on fruits and vegetables, amongst other food products, with the aim of improving their quality, whilst increasing their shelf-life. Chitosan compounds have also been applied in the clarification process during the production of beers and wines. While substantial progress has been made, further research into chitosan and COS is required in order to understand the mechanisms of their action and fully exploit their potential. This review highlights the gaps in research in the fields of medicine and food science regarding the use of chitosan, providing a clearer understanding of its applications and guiding future research directions.