Chitin and chitosan

Abstract This chapter provides a review of the properties and application of chitin and chitosan. In the first two sections role of chitin and chitosan in nature, as well as the sources for commercial production are discussed. These sections also go into structural and physicochemical properties of these biopolymers. The following section introduces the analytical techniques used for the characterization of chitin and chitosan. Chemical modification of chitosan is then discussed with some emphasis on the more common chemical derivatives. Industrial application is discussed as well as the application for water purification as well as agricultural uses and food preservation among others. The application in health care and pharmaceutical field is covered in the final sections. This includes the use of chitosan as a food supplement, a material for wound care products, and the use in drug delivery.