CHITIN AND CHITOSAN-BIOPOLYMER MATERIALS OF THE 21st CENTURY

Among natural biopolymers, the greatest attention of researchers and industry leaders is attracted by chitin and chitosan - biopolymeric materials of the 21st century, which is primarily due to the large quantity reserves of these biopolymers (chitin is the second biopolymer in terms of renewability in nature and production after cellulose) and the field of application. Chitin is a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide with a cyclic cellulose structure. It is found in the shells of crustaceans and insects, in the cells of fungi and diatoms. Chitosan is a product of chitin deacetylation. The physical and chemical properties of these substances are determined by the characteristics of their molecules, which have active amino and hydroxyl groups. Chitin and chitosan are non-toxic and non -allergenic, biocompatible with human, animal and plant tissues and they are completely safe for the environment. Currently, chitin-chitosan and their modifications are used in the following applications such as: food additives and multicomponent food products for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, medications (weight loss drugs, anticancer drugs), cosmetic preparations for skin care, means for purifying and stabilizing water in natural and artificial reservoirs, agricultural preparations (means for combating plant diseases) (more than 200 areas of practical application). The use of chitosan, a non-toxic and non -allergenic natural biopolymer, biocompatible with the human body, in the field of pharmaceuticals and biomedicine is considered promising. Chitosan is completely safe for humans and the environment, which is its biggest advantage; it is an environmentally friendly product because it completely decomposes under natural conditions. Increased demand for chitin and chitosan is expected in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, the Middle East and the CIS countries. The growth of the chitin and chitosan market is mainly affected by high production costs and pollution during the production process