Chitosan as a Tool for Sustainable Development: A Mini Review Articles uri icon

publication date

  • April 2022

start page

  • 1475

end page

  • 1502

issue

  • 7

volume

  • 14

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 2073-4360

abstract

  • New developments require innovative ecofriendly materials defined by their biocompatibility,
    biodegradability, and versatility. For that reason, the scientific society is focused on biopolymers
    such as chitosan, which is the second most abundant in the world after cellulose. These new materials
    should show good properties in terms of sustainability, circularity, and energy consumption during
    industrial applications. The idea is to replace traditional raw materials with new ecofriendly materials
    which contribute to keeping a high production rate but also reducing its environmental impact and
    the costs. The chitosan shows interesting and unique properties, thus it can be used for different
    purposes which contributes to the design and development of sustainable novel materials. This
    helps in promoting sustainability through the use of chitosan and diverse materials based on it. For
    example, it is a good sustainable alternative for food packaging or it can be used for sustainable
    agriculture. The chitosan can also reduce the pollution of other industrial processes such as paper
    production. This mini review collects some of the most important advances for the sustainable use of
    chitosan for promoting circular economy. Hence, the present review focuses on different aspects of
    chitosan from its synthesis to multiple applications.

subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Materials science and engineering

keywords

  • chitosan; sustainable development; circular economy; biopolymers