Application of depolymerized chitosan in crop production: A review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 235; p. 123858
• Main Authors: Boamah, Peter Osei, Onumah, Jacqueline, Aduguba, Wilberforce Orlando, Santo, Kwadwo Gyasi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 30.04.2023
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antibacterial properties; Antifungal properties; Antiviral properties; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Chitosan - chemistry; Crop Production; Low molecular weight chitosan; Antibacterial properties; Antifungal properties; Crop production; Antiviral properties; Low molecular weight chitosan
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123858

Currently, chitosan (CHT) is well known for its uses, particularly in veterinary and agricultural fields. However, chitosan's uses suffer greatly due to its extremely solid crystalline structure, it is insoluble at pH levels above or equal to 7. This has sped up the process of derivatizing and depolymerizing it into low molecular weight chitosan (LMWCHT). As a result of its diverse physicochemical as well as biological features which include antibacterial activity, non-toxicity, and biodegradability, LMWCHT has evolved into new biomaterials with extremely complex functions. The most important physicochemical and biological property is antibacterial, which has some degree of industrialization today. CHT and LMWCHT have potential due to the antibacterial and plant resistance-inducing properties when applied in crop production. This study has highlighted the many advantages of chitosan derivatives as well as the most recent studies on low molecular weight chitosan applications in crop development.