A Review on Production of Chitosan Nanoparticles from Shrimp Shells

Abstract

Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, holds immense promise in various industries due to its versatile properties. Among its most innovative applications are chitosan nanoparticles, which have significant attention for their potential in drug delivery, agriculture, food preservation, and wastewater treatment. This comprehensive review explores the production, characterization, applications, biocompatibility, and prospects of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized from shrimp shells, a sustainable and abundant source of chitin. The review begins by elucidating the significance of chitosan nanoparticles in addressing contemporary challenges in drug delivery, particularly their ability to enhance drug solubility, improve bioavailability, and provide controlled release. Various production methods, including ionic gelation, emulsion cross-linking, and others, are dissected to provide an understanding of their advantage`s, limitations, and the quality of nanoparticles they yield. Detailed descriptions of characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), are furnished to underscore their pivotal role in determining the structural and functional properties of chitosan nanoparticles. Their role in agriculture, where they contribute to crop protection and nutrient delivery, is examined alongside their applications in food preservation, where they exhibit antimicrobial properties. Their proficiency in wastewater treatment, particularly in heavy metal removal and water purification, is also deliberated. This review underscores the multifaceted potential of chitosan nanoparticles produced from shrimp shells. These nanoparticles, derived from an abundant seafood industry byproduct, exemplify sustainable and eco-friendly nanotechnology with the potential to revolutionize various sectors, making them a subject of great scientific and industrial interest.