Chitosan in the Preservation of Agricultural Commodities presents a cohesive overview of research topics regarding the production and characterization of chitosan, the development of coatings and fi lms, its functional properties, and antimicrobial potential of this compound on economically important agricultural commodities. It includes the modes of action from a physiological, enzymatic, and molecular perspective, and evaluations of the activity of chitosan nanocomposites and nanoparticles in biological models. The first section deals with the chemical characteristics and functional properties of chitosan and new chitosan-based biomaterials intended for food preservation. The second section covers various aspects of the control achieved by chitosan on different microorganisms affecting various horticultural commodities, grains, and ornamentals, and its modes of action. The third section explores enzymatic and gene expression induction by chitosan application on fruit and vegetables; the fourth section offers insight on the use of chitosan nanocomposites in biological models associated with food conservation and control of microorganisms. Analyzes chitosan chemical and functional properties Explores obtaining, characterizing, and developing chitosan coatings and fi lms for agricultural use Presents functional properties, antimicrobial potential, and modes of action of chitosan from a physiological, enzymatic, and molecular perspective Includes biological models of the activity of chitosan nanocomposites and nanoparticles

Offers a comprehensive guide to the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. These promising biomaterials have the potential to be broadly applied and there is a growing market for these biopolymers in areas such as medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, agricultural, textile, cosmetics, nanoparticles and more. The authors – noted experts in the field – explore the isolation, characterization and the physical and chemical properties of chitin and chitosan. They also examine their properties such as hydrogels, immunomodulation and biotechnology, antimicrobial activity and chemical enzymatic modifications. The book offers an analysis of the myriad medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as a review of applications in other areas. In addition, the authors discuss regulations, markets and perspectives for the use of chitin and chitosan. This important book: Offers a thorough review of the isolation, properties and applications of chitin and chitosan. Contains information on the wide-ranging applications and growing market demand for chitin and chitosan Includes a discussion of current regulations and the outlook for the future Written for Researchers in academia and industry who are working in the fields of chitin and chitosan, Chitin and Chitosan: Properties and Applications offers a review of these promising biomaterials that have great potential due to their material properties and biological functionalities.

Role of Chitosan and Chitosan-Based Nanomaterials in Plant Sciences explores the physiological, morphological, biochemical and molecular regulation of chitosan and chitosan-based nanoparticles in plants in normal conditions, as well as during different stresses, and their probable mechanism of operation in the tolerance mechanism. The book stimulates further research in the field of chitosan and will foster further interests for researchers, academicians and scientists worldwide. Nanotechnology is being used widely in all disciplines of science and technology, including plant sciences. Chitosan has widely been reported as a beneficial organic compound for the growth and developments of plants and it plays a protective role for the plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. Yet there are very few books available that deal exclusively with Chitosan and Chitosan based nanoparticles impacts on plants respectively. - Analyzes the research on chitosan and chitosan-based nanomaterials in plant sciences - Includes the latest information on toxicity and human exposure - Reviews modifications and alterations in plant expressions and biochemical pathways

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. However, one third of fruit and vegetables are lost after harvest every year. Most losses are caused by pathogen (mostly fungi) infections, which lead to postharvest decay. In addition, some postharvest fungal pathogens can produce toxic secondary metabolites (i.e. mycotoxins) during their infecting periods. Mycotoxin contamination may cause serious food safety issues. At present, the use of synthetic fungicides is still the main means to control postharvest diseases. However, the development of resistance in fungal pathogens to fungicides and the growing public concern over the health and environmental risks associated with high levels of pesticides in fruits and vegetables have urged researchers to develop alternative methods of disease control. A deeper understanding of the infecting mechanisms of postharvest pathogens will provide great insight into developing new controlling strategies.

This book reviews recent research and applications of chitin and chitosan, as natural alternatives of fossil fuel products, in green chemistry, energy, biotechnology, bioprinting, medicine, water treatment, agriculture and food science. Chitin and chitosan products are polysaccharides derived from food waste of crustaceans and fungi, and thus are cheap, abundant, sustainable, non-toxic, recyclable and biocompatible.

Thanks to their unique properties, chitosan and chitosan-based materials have numerous applications in the field of biomedicine, especially in drug delivery. This book examines biomedical applications of functional chitosan, exploring the various functions and applications in the development of chitosan-based biomaterials. It also describes the chemical structure of chitosan and discusses the relationship between their structure and functions, providing a theoretical basis for the design of biomaterials. Lastly, it reviews chemically modified and composite materials of chitin and chitosan derivatives for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and gene delivery.

Chitin and Chitosan: Discoveries and Applications for Sustainability provides the most comprehensive knowledge on these organic biopolymers which come from the cellular makeup of crustaceans, mollusks and arthropods. This book synthesizes historical information, fundamental properties, industrial applications, and recent discoveries and uses. Written by an international expert on chitin and chitosan sources and uses, the book discusses landmark discoveries and early uses in the research and applications of chitin and chitosan. It then explores the international use of chitin and chitosan as organic solutions across various disciplines such as aquaculture, agriculture, food and beverage industries, cosmetics and medicine. Finally, the book assesses their environmental applications for sustainable solutions, such as wastewater treatments and future chitin and chitosan usage as an organic solution for a more sustainable, green, healthy planet. - Offers a comprehensive review of these biopolymers, from their discovery to their use in our daily lives - Details the main historical facts on their composition, structure and properties - Emphasizes the chemical and biological properties and applications of chitosan - Describes key challenges and future trends

Chitosan in Drug Delivery provides thorough insights into chitosan chemistry, collection, chemical modifications, characterization and applications in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare fields. The book explores molecular weight, degree of deacetylation and molecular geometry, emphasizing recent advances in the field as written by academic, industry and regulatory scientists. It will be a useful resource for pharmaceutical scientists, including industrial pharmacists, analytical scientists, postgraduate students, health care professionals and regulatory scientists actively involved in pharmaceutical product and process development in natural polymers containing drug delivery. Provides methodologies for the design, development and selection of chitosan in drug delivery for particular therapeutic applications Includes illustrations demonstrating the mechanism of biological interaction of chitosan Discusses the regulatory aspects and demonstrates the clinical efficacy of chitosan

Biopolymers have the potential to cut carbon emissions and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released when they degrade can be reabsorbed by plants, which makes them close to carbon neutral. Biopolymers are biodegradable and some are compostable, too. This book presents key topics on biopolymers, including their synthesis, characterization, and physiochemical properties, and discusses their applications in key areas such as biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental engineering. It will serve as an in-depth reference for the biopolymer industry—material suppliers and processors, producers, and fabricators—and engineers and scientists who are designing biopolymers or evaluating options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers.

Food scarcity and insecurity is an alarming issue throughout the world. Postharvest loss due to both mechanical damage and microbial spoilage significantly influences the shelf life and hence the availability of agricultural produce. Once initiated, the microbial spoilage can make bulk quantity of a given agricultural product unacceptable for human consumption, and several methods have already been used to try to manage this. Considering the limited success of the available methods, there is increasing interest in exploring nanotechnological methods. These methods are being considered for both the development of various platforms for antimicrobial/barrier packaging applications that minimize the contact of agricultural produce with the external environment, and also for design sensors to ensure food safety and quality. The impact of various nano-systems developed through material engineering on the shelf-life enhancement and storage of fresh horticultural produce will have revolutionary effects on post-harvest management in the coming years. Hence, Postharvest Nanotechnology for Fresh Horticultural Produce has been edited to advance understanding of material development, intelligent selection of nanomaterials to ensure the nontoxic nature, and future perspectives of nanotechnology on postharvest produce. This includes various types of nanoparticles exploited for the postharvest management, their mechanism of action, varied applications and material engineering, along with natural products including essential oils and plant bioactives, modelling of various tailor-made materials to meet the required properties of the packed food, advancements in the nanotechnological applications for the minimally processed food, and the toxicity concerns. Key Features: · Describes advances in nanotechnology for postharvest management · Includes extensive details on the applications of material engineering for post-harvest applications using nanotechnology and future aspects · Provides extensive data on the types of nanomaterials used and the fabrication methods employed for the design of tailor-made products for the post-harvest management This book reviews the current scientific advancements and future prospects of the nanotechnological interventions in meeting the quality and quantity standards of the horticultural produce and minimally processed food and will be a valuable reference for beginners, researchers, subject experts, and industrialists.