Chitin-based nanomaterials

Abstract

Chitin- and chitosan-based materials have been increasingly used in various scientific advancements specifically in the field of nanotechnology for their therapeutic potential. They are biopolymeric polysaccharides with superior structural abilities to produce novel properties and functions, and have found a wide application in the biomedical field. Further, their usage has been increasingly being investigated for drugs and genes delivery to produce engineered nanocarriers and to allow microencapsulation techniques. Further, all new developments likely to have new design concepts exhibit basic dimensions and drug release features of such nanomaterials. In brief, chitosan is one of the most well-studied biomaterials. This chapter involves a brief history of chitin and presents the synthesis and design of chitin and chitosan nanomaterials. This chapter also reviews the developing applications of chitin and chitosan in tissue engineering (wound and bone healing), water purification, cosmetics, and bactericidal activity.