Research Topic: chitosan

Bioinspired nano-architected chitosan-β-glucan nanocomposite as an elicitor for disease management sustainably

Scientists created tiny engineered particles made from chitosan and β-glucan that act like alarm signals to boost plants’ natural defenses against a destructive soil fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii. These nano-particles are extremely effective at just 220-240 parts per million, far more powerful than conventional fungicides which require 2000 ppm. The particles work by damaging the fungus’s cells directly while also triggering the plant’s immune system, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

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Renovation of Agro-Waste for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Review

This review explores how agricultural waste can be transformed into eco-friendly food packaging materials. Researchers are finding ways to extract valuable compounds like cellulose from crop residues and chitin from shrimp shells to create biodegradable packaging films that preserve food while reducing environmental pollution. These sustainable packaging alternatives perform as well as conventional plastics while being completely biodegradable, representing an important step toward a circular economy and reducing agricultural waste.

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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.

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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.

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Chitosan-mediated copper nanohybrid attenuates the virulence of a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina

Researchers developed tiny copper particles coated with chitosan (a natural compound from shellfish) that effectively kill a destructive fungus called Macrophomina phaseolina, which damages hundreds of plant species worldwide. When used at the right concentration, these nanoparticles completely stopped the fungus from growing while causing minimal damage to plants. This innovation offers a promising natural alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for protecting crops while being more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

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Fungal Biorefinery: Mushrooming Opportunities

Scientists are discovering how fungi can be grown to create useful materials as alternatives to plastics and other petroleum-based products. By cultivating fungal filaments on agricultural waste, researchers can produce foam-like materials for packaging, strong fibers for textiles, and special carbon materials for energy storage. These fungi-based materials are biodegradable, help recycle waste, and require less energy to produce than traditional synthetic materials.

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pH-responsive imine-chitosan-based intelligent controlled-release packaging films with transformable antimicrobial modes from defense to attack

Researchers developed a smart food packaging film that fights bacteria and fungi in two different ways depending on acidity levels. When stored with neutral pH foods, the film’s surface prevents microbes from sticking to it. When the food becomes more acidic (like in tomato juice), the film releases antimicrobial compounds that actively kill the microorganisms. Tests showed it effectively preserved cherry tomatoes and tomato juice while blocking harmful UV light.

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Valorization of Mushroom Residues for Functional Food Packaging

Mushrooms produce large amounts of waste during growth and processing, but these leftovers contain valuable compounds that can protect food and extend shelf life. Scientists are developing ways to extract these beneficial compounds and add them to eco-friendly packaging films, creating materials that fight bacteria and oxidation naturally. This approach transforms mushroom waste into useful products while reducing environmental pollution, making food packaging safer and more sustainable for consumers.

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Immunomodulatory function of chitosan is dependent on complement receptor 3

This study reveals how the human immune system recognizes chitosan, a natural component found in the walls of disease-causing fungi like Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. Researchers discovered that immune cells use a protein called CR3 on their surface to detect and respond to chitosan by producing inflammatory chemicals that help fight infection. When chitosan works together with fungal proteins, it can boost the immune system’s response even more effectively, suggesting new ways to enhance immunity against fungal infections.

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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.

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