Research Keyword: chitosan

Applications of Natural Polymers in the Grapevine Industry: Plant Protection and Value-Added Utilization of Waste

Grapevines face significant challenges from drought, extreme temperatures, and fungal diseases. Natural polymers like chitosan, alginate, and cellulose can create protective coatings on grapes that help them retain water, resist pests, and stay healthy. Additionally, waste from grape processing can be recycled into valuable compounds and encapsulated in these polymers for use as plant strengtheners or in food and pharmaceuticals, creating a more sustainable wine industry.

Read More »

Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems: integrating natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials for enhanced delivery of bioactive compounds in functional foods

Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems combine natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials to better protect and deliver beneficial compounds in functional foods. These systems improve the stability and absorption of nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics that would otherwise break down during processing or digestion. Various manufacturing methods such as electrospinning and self-assembly enable precise control of particle size and release, making functional foods more effective for health benefits.

Read More »

Development of Active Antibacterial CEO/CS@PLA Nonwovens and the Application on Food Preservation

Researchers created special biodegradable packaging material made from corn-based plastic combined with chitosan (from crab shells) and cinnamon oil. When placed over fresh strawberries, this material killed 99.99% of harmful bacteria and significantly extended shelf life. The packaging reduced strawberry decay, weight loss, and spoilage while maintaining nutritional quality.

Read More »

Physicochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Analysis of Vegetal Chitosan Extracted from Distinct Forest Fungi Species

Researchers extracted and tested chitosan from five different mushroom species as an alternative to traditional crab-derived chitosan for allergic individuals. Using various scientific techniques, they found that chitosan from lion’s mane mushroom (H. erinaceus) had the best ability to dissolve in solution and kill bacteria, making it promising for food preservation. The study shows that mushroom-based chitosan can work as well as or better than shellfish-derived chitosan while avoiding allergen risks, offering a sustainable solution for food packaging and preservation.

Read More »

Biocontrol of Fusarium solani: Antifungal Activity of Chitosan and Induction of Defence Enzymes

Chitosan, a natural substance made from shrimp and crab shells, effectively protects tomato plants from a dangerous fungal disease called Fusarium solani root rot. When applied to plants, chitosan directly damages the fungus and simultaneously strengthens the plant’s own defence systems through increased enzyme activity. This makes chitosan a safer, more sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides while also promoting better plant growth.

Read More »

Extraction of Active Compounds from Dioscorea quinqueloba and Their Encapsulation Using Mucin and Chitosan for Application in Cosmetic Formulations

Researchers created tiny capsules containing beneficial compounds from yam plants using natural materials like chitosan and mucin, designed for use in cosmetic products. These microcapsules were shown to be safe, effective at protecting skin from oxidative damage, and capable of reducing signs of aging similar to green tea extract. The study demonstrates that yam-based microcapsules have strong potential as natural ingredients in skincare formulations.

Read More »

Crab vs. Mushroom: A Review of Crustacean and Fungal Chitin in Wound Treatment

Chitin, a natural material found in crab shells and mushrooms, can be used to make wound dressings that speed up healing and fight infection. The review compares these two sources, finding that crab-derived chitin has been studied more extensively and has several commercial products available, while mushroom-derived chitin offers advantages like lower cost and easier processing. Both types work by promoting cell growth, stopping bleeding, and killing bacteria, making them promising alternatives to traditional wound dressings for treating difficult-to-heal wounds.

Read More »

Analysis of the Development and Thermal Properties of Chitosan Nanoparticle-Treated Palm Oil: An Experimental Investigation

Researchers added tiny chitosan nanoparticles made from mushrooms and marine sources to palm oil used in cooking and frying. They found that mushroom-based chitosan nanoparticles improved the oil’s ability to conduct heat better than marine-sourced alternatives. This enhancement could make cooking faster and more efficient while reducing harmful compounds formed during high-temperature cooking. The oil treated with chitosan nanoparticles maintains good quality and remains safe for food use.

Read More »

Esterase and Peroxidase Are Involved in the Transformation of Chitosan Films by the Fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. IBPPM 543

Scientists discovered that a common fungus called Fusarium oxysporum can modify chitosan films (made from a natural polymer related to shellfish shells) without destroying them. The fungus produces special enzymes that change the structure of the films, making them stronger and less soluble in acidic solutions. These modified films could be useful for creating new medical devices, drug carriers, and other materials.

Read More »

Chitosan and Chitooligosaccharide: The Promising Non-Plant-Derived Prebiotics with Multiple Biological Activities

Chitosan and chitooligosaccharide are natural compounds derived from crustacean shells and fungi that act as prebiotics to improve gut health. These compounds can fight bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and help maintain healthy weight and blood sugar levels. They represent a promising, biodegradable alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals with multiple health benefits.

Read More »
Scroll to Top