Biosorption of chitin and chitosan

As natural aminopolysaccharides, chitin and chitosan show high intrinsic sorption affinity for dyes, metal ions, chiral molecules and several biomacromolecules. They have been extensively investigated as the high selective, low cost and environment friendly adsorbents. The separation performance of chitin and chitosan can be further improved by physical or chemical modifications designed for a specific application. The present article provides a review of the recent progress in the material preparation, experimental methodologies and mechanisms for the biosorption applications of chitin and chitosan, with the focus on the separation of proteins, lipids, lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) and chiral molecules. The prospects and challenges in those applications are also discussed.