Biocompatibility: Studies have demonstrated that chitosan oligosaccharides are biocompatible, showing minimal adverse effects on human spermatozoa, suggesting potential applications in biomedical fields.
Agricultural Use: In agriculture, oligo-chitosan serves as a natural biopesticide, enhancing plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and improving yield.
Material Science: Research indicates that hybrid materials combining oligo-chitosan with nanosilica exhibit promising properties, potentially useful in various industrial applications.
Oligo-Chitosan, also known as chitosan oligosaccharide, is a derivative of chitosan—a biopolymer obtained from the shells of shrimp and crabs. Through enzymatic degradation, chitosan is broken down into shorter chains, resulting in oligo-chitosan with a degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 10, and an average molecular weight of approximately 2,000.
Safety Considerations:
Chitosan and its derivatives, including oligo-chitosan, are generally considered safe. They are non-toxic, exhibiting antibacterial, antiviral, and antiallergenic properties. However, individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution due to the marine origin of the raw materials.
Properties and Applications:
Biocompatibility: Studies have demonstrated that chitosan oligosaccharides are biocompatible, showing minimal adverse effects on human spermatozoa, suggesting potential applications in biomedical fields.
Agricultural Use: In agriculture, oligo-chitosan serves as a natural biopesticide, enhancing plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and improving yield.
Material Science: Research indicates that hybrid materials combining oligo-chitosan with nanosilica exhibit promising properties, potentially useful in various industrial applications.
