ABSTRACT
The Compound Annual Growth Rate of the global chitin and chitosan market is expected to be at 14.8% during the analysis period of 2020–2027. The global market and analysis by source, applications, and regions are presented in this chapter. Chitin and chitosans are used in five major markets: food and beverage, cosmetics and toiletries, biopharmaceuticals, water and waste treatment, and agriculture. Water treatment leads the markets for chitosans. It is seen as the most lucrative segment because of the biodegradability and effectiveness in removing toxic materials as a result of using chitosans as coagulants in waste-water-treatment processes. The food and beverage sector is witnessing steady growth due to the increasing demand for chitosans in antioxidant applications, antimicrobial packaging, food preservatives, and dietary fibers. The main applications improve the quality and shelf life of agriculture, poultry, and marine food products. Pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications are the third-largest applications for chitosans because of their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. Biomedical applications are used in drug delivery, tissue engineering, cosmetics, contact lenses, wound dressing, functional foods, and stem cell technology. Innovative materials are expected to appear as a results of the development of ionic liquids as solvents and their utilization in different processes. Textiles, agriculture, and the paper industry are also likely to benefit soon from these new technological developments.
