Chitosan Nanoparticles: Production, Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutraceutical Applications

Biologically active molecules such as chitosan and its derivatives have significant potential in the food industry, in view of the necessity of food product conservation and the increasing concerns regarding the negative environmental impact of conventional packaging materials. Chitosan is a biopolymer derivative of chitin, obtained from the waste of industrial fishing activities. Its unique chemical structure, such as a linear polycation chain with high charge density, reactive hydroxyl and amino groups, as well as extensive hydrogen bonding, confer a wide range of applications to this compound. These particular physical and chemical characteristics and availability, along with a short biodegradability time, biocompatibility with human tissues and antibacterial and antifungal activities offer significant potential for applications in food safety and food preservation. The production of chitosan nanoparticles by environmentally-friendly technology and its use as new food ingredient is presented and discussed. The applicability of these chitosan nanoparticles as an innovative and natural antimicrobial compound was tested considering variations in the polymer molecular weight and degree of deacetylation.