A Critical Review of Analytical Applications of Chitosan as a Sustainable Chemical with Functions Galore

Biomass and biowastes stand as sustainable and cost-effective environmentally benign alternative feedstock. Chitosan is a biocompatible, bioactive, and biodegradable biopolymer derived from chitin to achieve eight aspects out of the 12 green chemistry principles. Chitosan got significant attention in several fields including chemical analysis, in addition to chemical functionally, which enabled its use as adsorbent and its structural crosslinking using various crosslinkers. The physicochemical, technological, and optical properties of chitosan have been extensively exploited in analysis. Mainly, deacetylation degree and molecular weight are controlling its properties and hence controlling its functions. This review presents a structure, properties, and functions relationships of chitosan. It also aims to provide an overview of the different functions that chitosan can serve in each analytical technique such as supporting matrix, catalyst horizontal ellipsis etc. The contribution of chitosan in improving the ecological performance is discussed in each technique.

Automated summary

Chitosan, derived from chitin, is a biocompatible, bioactive, and biodegradable biopolymer that can achieve eight out of the 12 green chemistry principles. It has gained significant attention in chemical analysis and other fields. This review explores the structure, properties, and functions of chitosan, as well as its application in various analytical techniques and its contribution to ecological performance.