ABSTRACT
Most marine polysaccharides play a significant role in the field of nanotechnology as they possess many biological and chemical properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, adhesiveness, anti-inflammatory, and polycationic properties. In addition they have a tendency to change their size and shape under the influence of external factors such as pH and temperature. Among all marine polysaccharides chitosan is widely accepted in biomedical research and its applications, particularly in construction of nanoparticles. Production of chitosan-based nanoparticles is simple, formed by coating chitosan with polyanions under constant stirring. Chitosan nanoparticles have important applications in removing heavy metals from water, as a carrier for controlled drug delivery, for encapsulation of active food ingredients and also for immobilisation of enzyme/membrane for the construction of biosensors. The chapter deals with various sources of chitosan and discusses its physical, chemical and biological properties; synthesis of chitosan-based nanoparticles; and characterisation and biomedical applications.
