Chitin biodegradability

Because 0-acyl chitins appear to be scarcely susceptible to lysozyme, the susceptibility of DBG to Upases has been studied to obtain insight into its biodegradability in vivo. The changes in infrared and X-ray diffraction spectra of the fibers support the slow degradation of DBG by Upases [125,126]. The chemical hydrolysis of DBG to chitin is the most recent way to produce regenerated chitin. 

The rate of in vivo biodegradation of subcutaneous implanted films was very high for chitin compared with that for deacetylated chitin. No tissue reaction was foimd with highly deacetylated chitosans, although they contained abundant primary amino groups [240]. 

Peculiar characteristics of chitins and chitosans are hemostatic action, anti-inflammatory effect, biodegradability, biocompatibihty, besides antimicrobial activity, retention of growth factors, release of glucosamine and M-acetylglucosamine monomers and oligomers, and stimulation of cellular activities [11,12,295-297]. 

More recently chitosan polymers which are derivatives of chitin materials have evoked interest due to their bioactivity and biodegradability. For example, N-carboxybutyl chitosan has been show to effectively promote wound healing (9). Acetate, and butyrate derivatives of chitosan have decreased blood clotting time significantly (10). 

In conclusion, it is noteworthy that cyclodextrins, liposomes and chitin derivatives are all readily available from renewable biochemical sources and offer advantages of biodegradability and safety in use. However, it needs to be borne in mind that this fact alone does not necessarily mean that they are entirely environmentally innocuous in the long run. Demands on resources for the husbanding and processing of bioforms that may be necessary in order to sustain demand for commercially viable qualities and quantities can exert deleterious effects, not least because they may give by-products that present problems of utilisation or disposal [70]. 

McCormick, C.L., D.K. Lichatowich, and M.M. Fooladi, "Controlled Activity Pendant Herbicide Systems Utilizing Chitin and Other Biodegradable Polymers," Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Controlled Release of Bioactive Materials, pp. 3.6-3.17, Gaithersburg, MD (1978). 

Chitosan, the most abundant marine mucopolysaccharide, is derived from chitin by alkaline deacetylation, and possesses versatile biological properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a non-toxic nature. Due to these characteristics, considerable attention has been given to its industrial applications in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and environmental industries. Currently, chitosan can be considered as a potential marine nutraceutical because its remarkable biological activities have been investigated and reported, in order to exploit its nutraceutical... 

Surface water aerobic biodegradation t,/2 = 1.32 d with the addition of polymer chitin, t/2 = 0.80 d with chitin plus adapted microbes in flow microcosm with water and sedimentary materials from the field (Portier Fujisaki 1988 quoted, Abramowicz 1990) ... 

Chitin s properties as a tough and strong material make it favourable as surgical thread. Additionally, its biodegradibility means it wears away with time as the wound heals. Moreover, chitin has some unusual properties that accelerate healing of wounds in humans. Chitin has even been used as a stand-alone wound-healing agent. 

In addition to synthetic biodegradable polymers discussed so far, naturally occurring biopolymers have also been used for fabricating implantable dmg delivery systems. Examples of natural biopolymers are proteins (e.g. albumin, casein, collagen, and gelatin) and polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose derivatives, chitin derivatives, dextran, hyaluronic acids, inulin, and starch). 

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