Role of Physicochemical Properties of Chitin and Chitosan on Their Functionality

Chitin and its deacetylated derivative, chitosan, are natural polymers that have been proposed to be used in a wide range of applications. Due to their natural origin, both chitin and chitosan cannot be defined as a unique chemical structure but as a family of polymers which present a high variability in their chemical and physical properties. This variability is related not only to the origin of the samples but also to their method of preparation. Due to this variability, the success of the polymer on each application depends on the properties of the polymer. In a previous review, we highlighted the relationship between the physicochemical properties of the polymers and their behavior. In the last three years, new data regarding this topic has been published; this update includes this new information. Moreover, new applications (fiber formation and cosmetic) that were not previously reviewed due to the extension of the topic are included. Keywords: Chitin, chitosan, deacetylation degree, functional characterization, molecular weight.