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Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Medicinal Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 23462

Special Issue Editor

Biomolecules: Conception, Isolement, Synthese, Chatenay-Malabry, France
Interests: antiparasite chemotherapy; research of antileishmanial drugs; mechanisms of drug action; mechanisms of drug resistance; drug targeting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chitosan, as the N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a biological polymer that has found many applications these two last decades, but its development still suffers from limitations in obtaining a defined chemical structure of the polymer using traditional preparation methods. New methods have recently emerged for obtaining the desired degree of deacylation, expanding the possibilities for applications.

Since the first consideration of chitosan as a biomaterial in the 90s, an increasing interest in this polymer has disseminated through many biological domains and, particularly, in the field of anti-infective chemotherapy, followed by vaccines.

This Special Issue aims to provide a forum for the dissemination of the latest studies including, firstly, new strategies to obtain more defined chemical structures and, secondly, the various approaches using chitosan for drug and vaccine delivery in order to improve anti-infective chemotherapy and vaccine efficacy.

Prof. Philippe M. Loiseau
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chitosan
  • biomaterials
  • drug delivery systems
  • nanocarriers
  • anti-infective chemotherapy
  • vaccines
  • infectious diseases
  • parasites
  • fungi
  • bacteria
  • virus

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 6347 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Hydrochloride Decreases Fusarium graminearum Growth and Virulence and Boosts Growth, Development and Systemic Acquired Resistance in Two Durum Wheat Genotypes
by Sara Francesconi, Barbara Steiner, Hermann Buerstmayr, Marc Lemmens, Michael Sulyok and Giorgio Mariano Balestra
Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4752; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204752 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4407
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease for cereals. FHB is managed by fungicides at anthesis, but their efficacy is variable. Conventional fungicides accumulate in the soil and are dangerous for animal and human health. This study assayed the antifungal ability of [...] Read more.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease for cereals. FHB is managed by fungicides at anthesis, but their efficacy is variable. Conventional fungicides accumulate in the soil and are dangerous for animal and human health. This study assayed the antifungal ability of chitosan hydrochloride against Fusarium graminearum. Chitosan reduced F. graminearum growth and downregulated the transcript of the major genes involved in the cell growth, respiration, virulence, and trichothecenes biosynthesis. Chitosan promoted the germination rate, the root and coleoptile development, and the nitrogen balance index in two durum wheat genotypes, Marco Aurelio (FHB-susceptible) and DBC480 (FHB-resistant). Chitosan reduced FHB severity when applied on spikes or on the flag leaves. FHB severity in DBC480 was of 6% at 21 dpi after chitosan treatments compared to F. graminearum inoculated control (20%). The elicitor-like property of chitosan was confirmed by the up-regulation of TaPAL, TaPR1 and TaPR2 (around 3-fold). Chitosan decreased the fungal spread and mycotoxins accumulation. This study demonstrated that the non-toxic chitosan is a powerful molecule with the potential to replace the conventional fungicides. The combination of a moderately resistant genotype (DBC480) with a sustainable compound (chitosan) will open new frontiers for the reduction of conventional compounds in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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15 pages, 10692 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Novel Chitosan-Based Scaffolds in Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment through Tissue Engineering
by Julia Radwan-Pragłowska, Klaudia Stangel-Wójcikiewicz, Marek Piątkowski, Łukasz Janus, Dalibor Matýsek, Marcin Majka and Dalia Amrom
Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4280; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184280 - 18 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2253
Abstract
The growing number of female reproductive system disorders creates a need for novel treatment methods. Tissue engineering brings hope for patients, which enables damaged tissue reconstruction. For this purpose, epithelial cells are cultured on three-dimensional scaffolds. One of the most promising materials is [...] Read more.
The growing number of female reproductive system disorders creates a need for novel treatment methods. Tissue engineering brings hope for patients, which enables damaged tissue reconstruction. For this purpose, epithelial cells are cultured on three-dimensional scaffolds. One of the most promising materials is chitosan, which is known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The aim of the following study was to verify the potential of chitosan-based biomaterials for pelvic organ prolapse regeneration. The scaffolds were obtained under microwave-assisted conditions in crosslinking reactions, using dicarboxylic acids and aminoacid as crosslinkers, including l-glutamic acid, adipic acid, malonic acid, and levulinic acid. The products were characterized over their physicochemical and biological properties. FT–IR analysis confirmed formation of amide bonds. The scaffolds had a highly porous structure, which was confirmed by SEM analysis. Their porosity was above 90%. The biomaterials had excellent swelling abilities and very good antioxidant properties. The cytotoxicity study was performed on vaginal epithelial VK2/E6E7 and human colon cancer HCT116 cell lines. The results showed that after certain modifications, the proposed scaffolds could be used in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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12 pages, 2556 KiB  
Article
Chitosan and Natural Rubber Latex Biocomposite Prepared by Incorporating Negatively Charged Chitosan Dispersion
by Siwarote Boonrasri, Pongdhorn Sae–Oui and Pornchai Rachtanapun
Molecules 2020, 25(12), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122777 - 16 Jun 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4326
Abstract
Generally, natural rubber/chitosan (NR/CT) biocomposites could be prepared by either mixing natural rubber latex (NRL) with CT acid solution or mixing dry NR with CT powder on mixing equipment. In the present work, a new mixing method has been proposed and properties of [...] Read more.
Generally, natural rubber/chitosan (NR/CT) biocomposites could be prepared by either mixing natural rubber latex (NRL) with CT acid solution or mixing dry NR with CT powder on mixing equipment. In the present work, a new mixing method has been proposed and properties of the obtained NR/CT biocomposites are investigated. CT particles were prepared to have a negative charge that could be dispersed in water by using a ball mill before mixing with NRL. The effects of CT loading varied from 0 to 8 phr on latex properties and physical properties of NR/CT biocomposite films were focused. The results showed that the viscosity of NRL increased with increasing CT loading. With increasing CT loading from 0 to 8 phr, 300% modulus of the NR/CT biocomposite film increased, whereas the opposite trend was found for elongation at break. Additionally, the presence of CT in the biocomposite resulted in an increased elastic modulus (E’) in conjunction with enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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11 pages, 2657 KiB  
Article
Modification of Chitosan Membranes via Methane Ion Beam
by Nasim Gholami, Babak Jaleh, Reza Golbedaghi, Majid Mojtahedzadeh Larijani, Pikul Wanichapichart, Mahmoud Nasrollahzadeh and Rajender S. Varma
Molecules 2020, 25(10), 2292; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25102292 - 13 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
Chitosan has been used for biomedical applications in recent years, primarily because of its biocompatibility. A chitosan membrane with a 30 μm thickness was prepared and investigated for its surface modification using methane ions. Methane ions were implanted into the chitosan membrane using [...] Read more.
Chitosan has been used for biomedical applications in recent years, primarily because of its biocompatibility. A chitosan membrane with a 30 μm thickness was prepared and investigated for its surface modification using methane ions. Methane ions were implanted into the chitosan membrane using a Kaufman ion source; bombardment was accomplished using three accelerating voltages of ion beams—30, 55, and 80 kV. The influence of the ion bombardment on morphology, crystallinity, and hydrophilicity was investigated. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed that a triplet bond appeared after the implantation of methane ions (acceleration voltage: 80 kV), culminating in the creation of a more amorphous membrane structure. The analyses of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed that, with the increase in bombardment energy, the roughness of the surface changed. These results revealed that ion bombardment improved the hydrophilicity of the membranes and the water fluxes of chitosan membranes altered after methane ion bombardment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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12 pages, 4646 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Cell Microcarriers Based on Chitosan/Polyester Graft-Copolymers
by Tatiana S. Demina, Maria G. Drozdova, Chantal Sevrin, Philippe Compère, Tatiana A. Akopova, Elena Markvicheva and Christian Grandfils
Molecules 2020, 25(8), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081949 - 22 Apr 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2292
Abstract
Self-stabilizing biodegradable microcarriers were produced via an oil/water solvent evaporation technique using amphiphilic chitosan-g-polyester copolymers as a core material in oil phase without the addition of any emulsifier in aqueous phase. The total yield of the copolymer-based microparticles reached up to 79 wt. [...] Read more.
Self-stabilizing biodegradable microcarriers were produced via an oil/water solvent evaporation technique using amphiphilic chitosan-g-polyester copolymers as a core material in oil phase without the addition of any emulsifier in aqueous phase. The total yield of the copolymer-based microparticles reached up to 79 wt. %, which is comparable to a yield achievable using traditional emulsifiers. The kinetics of microparticle self-stabilization, monitored during their process, were correlated to the migration of hydrophilic copolymer’s moieties to the oil/water interface. With a favorable surface/volume ratio and the presence of bioadhesive natural fragments anchored to their surface, the performance of these novel microcarriers has been highlighted by evaluating cell morphology and proliferation within a week of cell cultivation in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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Review

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18 pages, 455 KiB  
Review
Chitosan Contribution to Therapeutic and Vaccinal Approaches for the Control of Leishmaniasis
by Philippe M. Loiseau, Sébastien Pomel and Simon L. Croft
Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4123; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184123 - 09 Sep 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2982
Abstract
The control of leishmaniases, a complex parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, requires continuous innovation at the therapeutic and vaccination levels. Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer administrable via different routes and possessing numerous qualities to be used in the antileishmanial [...] Read more.
The control of leishmaniases, a complex parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, requires continuous innovation at the therapeutic and vaccination levels. Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer administrable via different routes and possessing numerous qualities to be used in the antileishmanial strategies. This review presents recent progress in chitosan research for antileishmanial applications. First data on the mechanism of action of chitosan revealed an optimal in vitro intrinsic activity at acidic pH, high-molecular-weight chitosan being the most efficient form, with an uptake by pinocytosis and an accumulation in the parasitophorous vacuole of Leishmania-infected macrophages. In addition, the immunomodulatory effect of chitosan is an added value both for the treatment of leishmaniasis and the development of innovative vaccines. The advances in chitosan chemistry allows pharmacomodulation on amine groups opening various opportunities for new polymers of different size, and physico-chemical properties adapted to the chosen routes of administration. Different formulations have been studied in experimental leishmaniasis models to cure visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, and chitosan can act as a booster through drug combinations with classical drugs, such as amphotericin B. The various architectural possibilities given by chitosan chemistry and pharmaceutical technology pave the way for promising further developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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28 pages, 17261 KiB  
Review
Flame-Retardant Systems Based on Chitosan and Its Derivatives: State of the Art and Perspectives
by Giulio Malucelli
Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4046; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184046 - 04 Sep 2020
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 4319
Abstract
During the last decade, the utilization of chitin, and in par0ticular its deacetylated form, i.e., chitosan, for flame retardant purposes, has represented quite a novel and interesting application, very far from the established uses of this bio-sourced material. In this context, chitosan is [...] Read more.
During the last decade, the utilization of chitin, and in par0ticular its deacetylated form, i.e., chitosan, for flame retardant purposes, has represented quite a novel and interesting application, very far from the established uses of this bio-sourced material. In this context, chitosan is a carbon source that can be successfully exploited, often in combination with intumescent products, in order to provide different polymer systems (namely, bulky materials, fabrics and foams) with high flame retardant (FR) features. Besides, this specific use of chitosan in flame retardance is well suited to a green and sustainable approach. This review aims to summarize the recent advances concerning the utilization of chitosan as a key component in the design of efficient flame retardant systems for different polymeric materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin and Chitosan Science)
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