Chitosan as Antimicrobial Agent: Applications and Mode of Action

20033,042 citationsReview

Authors

Entsar I. Rabea · Ghent University

Mohamed E. I. Badawy · Ghent University

Christian V. Stevens · Ghent University

Guy Smagghe · Ghent University

Walter Steurbaut · Ghent University

Abstract

Chitosan, a hydrophilic biopolymer industrially obtained by N-deacetylation of chitin, can be applied as an antimicrobial agent. The current review of 129 references describes the biological activity of several chitosan derivatives and the modes of action that have been postulated in the literature. It highlights the applications of chitosan as an antimicrobial agent against fungi, bacteria, and viruses and as an elicitor of plant defense mechanisms.

Topics & Keywords

Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging Pineapple and bromelain studies Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Clean water and sanitation

Publication Details

Published in: Biomacromolecules

Volume 4, Issue 6, pp. 1457-1465

DOI: 10.1021/bm034130m

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 19.50