Abstract

Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin, is a highly favourable biopolymer due to its distinctive properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. Tracked primarily from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, it is a sustainable and ample material. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of chitosan and its various derivatives, focusing on their synthesis, characterization, and wide-ranging applications. We delve into the methods of chemical modification that enhance chitosan’s properties, such as its solubility and functional group availability. Key derivatives like carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), quaternized chitosan (QCS), and chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) are discussed in detail, highlighting how their tailored properties make them suitable for specific uses in the biomedical, environmental, and food sectors. The article also discourses the current challenges in chitosan research, such as production variability and cost, and frameworks future perspectives aimed at unlocking its full impending through advanced functionalization techniques and novel applications.