Chitin and Chitosan Derivatives: Biological Activities and Application

Dear Colleagues,

Chitin and chitosan (poly β-1,4 linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) are biocompatible biopolymers with some unique biological properties. They have found applications in a number of fields, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics, and agriculture. The use of these biopolymers is growing and research activities continue to increase; however, there are certain limitations for the use unmodified chitin and chitosan, mainly because the structural variation of the unmodified polymer is restricted to changes in the degree of N-acetylation and the molecular weight. Thus, there is more focus on the chemical modification of chitin and chitosan to make chitosan derivatives (conjugates). This promises to significantly expand utility in various fields, where these biopolymers have been used, and will also lead to novel applications. Many types of functional groups, including lipophilic and charged groups, have been introduced in order to enhance the bioactivity or desired physicochemical properties. Bioactive moieties, such as drugs, natural compounds, and various biomacromolecules, can be conjugated to the polymer backbone to give new types of materials that can be designed to function as drug delivery systems, components for constructing nanoparticles that can target certain cell types, imaging agents, and materials that have been tailored for certain regenerative properties. Chemically-reactive groups can also be introduced to promote polymerization or non-covalent bonding between polymer chains. These materials can be used to prepare stable bioactive coatings, hydrogels, and other types of complex biomaterials. To fully reach the potential of this new field, there are number of challenges that researchers must overcome. There is still a great deal of room to develop new efficient synthesis and grafting procedures. In order to further the understanding of the structural activity and structure property relationships, improved tools and methods for accurate structural and physicochemical characterization will be essential. A better understanding of how bioactivity can be improved, without increasing the potential for of adverse effects, is needed. In response to these developments, and in order to encourage researchers from different backgrounds to share the results, Molecules is launching this Special Issue. Topics can include, but are not limited to:

• Synthesis
• Grafting
• Polymerization
• Photochemistry
• Enzyme Catalyzed Reactions
• Reaction Mechanism
• Structure Characterization (including NMR)
• Physicochemical characteristics
• Structure property relationship
• Bioactivity
• Antimicrobial properties
• Anticancer properties
• Regenerative properties
• Structure Activity Relationship
• Drug Delivery
• Gene Delivery
• Metabolism
• Toxicology
• Nanoparticles
• Biomaterials
• Coatings
• Gels
• Composite materials

Prof. Dr. Már Másson
Guest Editor

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