Utilization of Chitosan Derived from Natural Sources to Enhance Food Quality and Shelf Life in Agriculture, Seafood, and Poultry Sectors

The rising applications of non-toxic biopolymeric chitosan, which is derived from the deacetylation of widely distributed chitin for diverse purposes, are impelled by humanity’s need to improve the emerging threats posed to food safety and security by the chronic reliance on chemosynthetic compounds. Even though chitosan can be engineered for a wide range of biotechnological applications in the agricultural and food sectors, its bioactive effectiveness is a function of its malleable properties. Several biological, chemical, and physical techniques for the adaptation of crucial chitosan properties (biodegradability, biocompatibility, solubility, charges, molecular weight, and chemical tractability) to fit different applications or a specific end-use have emerged in recent decades. This has made chitosan and its derivatives tractable for use as a preservative, carrier in a delivery system, soil conditioner, biomaterial for packaging production, antimicrobial, emulsifier, biostimulant, and stabilizer. While the inherent biotechnological potential may be inexhaustible, little is known about its commodification and commercialization. More investigation is therefore required to boost understanding of the field behavior of chitosan, bioeconomic values, and the threshold above which it can be intoxicating because it is less digestible in humans. Hence, this study reviewed the applications of chitosan in promoting food safety and quality, production through agriculture, and extending the shelf life of minimally processed or stored foods. It also correlates basic chitosan bioactivity and interaction orientation in food systems with its properties.