Antimicrobial activity of chitosan

A number of important papers could not be cited in this chapter, due to the length limitations and the specific target of the chapter. For example, the antimicrobial activity of chitosans [349], the chitinolytic enzymes, the preparation of cosmetics, and the occurrence of chitin in fungi [350] are some of the subjects not dealt with specifically here, notwithstanding their importance. 

Many studies have been conducted on the antimicrobial activity of chitosan since Allan and Hadwiger (1979) first reported that chitosan and its derivatives had broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. The group of researches proved that chitosans are capable of inhibiting the growth of some microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. 

The basic types of antinucrobial food packaging films are outlined and additives used in antimicrobial materials are discussed, with particular reference to potassium soibate, nisin, imazalil, allyl isothiocyanate and triclosan. The production of antimicrobial films by modification of the polymer chain itself is also mentioned and the natural antimicrobial activity of chitosan is considered. 17 refs. 

Journal of AppUed Polymer Science 80, No.13,24th June 2001, p.2495-501 MOLECULAR WEIGHT EFFECT ON ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CHITOSAN TREATED COTTON FABRICS Shin Y Yoo D I Jang J Chonnam,National University... 

Currently, researchers are trying to increase the low antimicrobial activity of chitosan to compare with commercially used chemicals. The recent advances include the use of composites and other biologically active substances (Table 3.3) that are known antimicrobial agents. The expected outcome is an increased antimicrobial effect due to the synergistic action of both antimicrobial agents. Moreover, the use of lesser synthetic agents to improve the naturally-derived polymer can be both economical and attractive. 

Zheng L Y, Zhu J E (2003). Study on antimicrobial activity of chitosan with different molecular weights. Carbohyd. Polym. 54 527-530. 

Sugar-lectin specific interaction is an important cellular phenomenon. Li et al. [64] linked L-fucose to chitosan, which can act as a somatic agglutinin to induce bacteria aggregation. The enhanced antimicrobial activity of chitosan-L-fucose is attributed to the specific recognition and binding of the L-fucose moiety with PA-Il lectin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa surface. 

Pranoto, Y., Rakshit, S.K., Salokhe, V.M. 2005b. Enhancing antimicrobial activity of chitosan films by incorporating garlic oil, potassium sorbate and nisin. LWT—Food Science and Technology, 38(8) 859-865. 

Zivanovic, S., Chi, S., Draughon, A.F. 2005. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan films enriched with essential oils. Journal of Food Science, 70(1) 1145-1151. 

Antimicrobial activity of chitosan depends on type of chitosan, degree of polymerization, molecular weight, pH and solvent -Chitosan nanoparticles could exhibit superior antimicrobial effect against various micro-organism than chitosan itself -The unique character of chitosan nanoparticles for their positive charge and small particle size is responsible for their potential antibacterial activity and acceptable biocompatibility... 

Figure 19.31 Determination of antimicrobial activity of chitosan-treated cotton fabric by agar diifiision method [a] Control (5. aureus), (b) Control ( coli), fc] CHT-MC (5. aureus), fd] CHT-MC (E. coli), (e) CHT (5. aureus), ff) CHT (E coli), (g] CHT-D5 fE aureus), [h) CHT-D5 (E coli).

In this chapter, we first discuss the chemical and physical properties of chitosan, including the synthesis, modification, molecular structure, characterization, and structure-property relationship. Second, we review the topics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity of chitosan. These properties make chitosan a potential biomaterial for many biomedical applications. 

Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan (CS), Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CM), Quarternized Chitosan (Q), and Quarternized Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMQ)... 

Matsuhashi, S., Kume, T. 1997. Enhancement of antimicrobial activity of chitosan by irradiation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 73 237-241. 

Joerger RD, et al. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan attached to ethylene copolymer films. Packag Technol Sci 2009 22(3) 125—38. 

The antimicrobial activity of chitosan against microorganisms of a wide variety of bacteria and fungi has long been recognized [42]. This unique property has led to many potential applications to food science, agriculture, paper, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Mechanisms behind the... 

Li L-H, Deng J-C, Deng H-R, Liu Z-L, Li X-L (2010) Preparation, characterization and antimicrobial activities of chitosan/Ag/ZnO blend films. Chem Eng J 160 378-382 Lin M-F, Thakur VK, Tan EJ, Lee PS (2011a) Dopant induced hollow BaTi03 nanostructures for application in high performance capacitors. J Mater Chem 21 16500-16504 Lin M-F, Thakur VK, Tan EJ, Lee PS (2011b) Surface functionalization of BaTiOj nanoparticles and improved electrical properties of BaTiOa/polyvinylidene fluoride composite. RSC Adv 1 576-578... 

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