Chitosan nanoparticles: Preparation, food applications and health benefits

Chitosan (CS) is a biodegradable and nontoxic natural polymer extensively employed in food and biomedical industries pertaining to its excellent bioactivities and biocompatibility. Superior gelling characteristic of CS, due to its polycationic nature, is achieved in the presence of anionic substances. The ionic gelation method with the aid of mechanized stirring or ultrasound has been popularly used to produce CS nanoparticles (CSNPs) of various sizes (84-600 nm) with encapsulation efficiency of 23-97%. In addition, other techniques, including emulsion cross-linking, coacervation and reverse micelle have been implemented. Moreover, nanoparticles (NPs) of various sizes (70-1000 nm) have been produced by coating nanoliposome with the help of CS to enhance their stability and activities. The CSNPs loaded with active compounds have improved the stability during storage, sustained release, higher bioactivities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than the free form. This review also aims to cover the major applications of various CSNPs as an encapsulating agent, food additives and edible coatings. Finally, the efficacy of CSNPs is also addressed for medical uses, such as reducing glucose or fat levels, wound healing and cancer treatments.

Automated summary

Chitosan nanoparticles have been widely used in the food and biomedical industries for their biodegradability and bioactivities. Various techniques, such as ionic gelation and coating with chitosan, have been employed to produce nanoparticles with improved stability and sustained release of active compounds. The applications of chitosan nanoparticles include encapsulating agents, food additives, edible coatings, and medical uses such as wound healing and cancer treatments.