Functionalization of chitosan polymer and their applications

The deacetylated derivative of chitin i.e. chitosan is an advantageous and interesting bioactive polymer. Despite its biodegradability, it consists of many reactive primary and secondary hydroxyl (–OH) and amino (–NH₂) functional groups which allow the possibilities of chemical modifications. The several chemical modifications such as alkylation, acylation, quaternization, phthaloylation, sulfation, thiolation, carboxymethylation, graft copolymerization etc. carried out. The chemical modification results various types of derivatives with modified properties for specific applications in varied area mainly of pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotechnological, cosmetic, agricultural, food and non-food industries as well as in water treatment, paper, and textile industry. The ability of chitosan to undergo versatile modifications and applications presents a great opportunity to scientific community and to industry.