https://doi.org/10.37229/fsa.fja.2026.06.21

This review will focus on the nature of chitosan, its sources, extraction modes and its applications in food preservation and food packaging, its health and pharmaceutical applications. Chitosan is a cationic polymer of chitin, which is found in abundance in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects and arthropods and in certain other organisms like fungi. Chemical processes that are used to extract chitin include deproteinization and demineralization of proteins and minerals followed by deacetylation of the end product, to form chitosan. Other alternatives include enzymatic extraction, assisted by the use of enzymes such as papain, trypsin and pepsin or biological extraction through fermentation of microorganisms which is more in line with the concept of the sustainability. Chitosan is characterized by its biodegradability and biocompatibility, in addition to its antimicrobial properties and potent cationic nature, making it a promising material for food preservation and packaging applications. It is also used in the development of drug delivery systems, particularly in its nanoscale form, where its physical and chemical properties can be modified to improve the efficiency of loading and releasing therapeutic compounds. Studies also indicate that chitosan may contribute to improving certain indicators associated with metabolic disorders, such as cholesterol levels and glucose balance, especially when used in soluble nanoparticle formulations prepared using methods such as ionization and spray drying, which have shown promising results in animal models fed high-fat diets.