Work

Chitosan Derivatives: Challenges and Opportunities in the Green and Sustainable Transition Era

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Transition towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices within the field of chemistry and materials science has become essential in light of current environmental challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the various steps involved in producing chitosan derivatives, with particular emphasis on eco-friendly strategies. Key methodologies for chitin isolation from diverse natural sources, chitin deacetylation, and the chemical modification of chitosan are discussed, integrating green chemistry principles and eco-efficient processes. Advances in sustainable technologies that prioritize cost-effectiveness, safety, and performance are highlighted. The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative isolation and purification strategies, the adoption of continuous-flow processes, and greener synthetic approaches, such as click chemistry, are also explored. Overall, this work supports the adoption of a holistic approach for the development of chitosan derivatives, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally responsible materials and production processes.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31081273

Authors: Ana Morais, Rita Lima, Madalena M. M. Pinto, Maria Elizabeth Tiritan, Carla Fernandes

Institutions: Universidade do Porto, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Unidade de Investigação em Toxicologia & Uma Só Saúde

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258