Chapter 4

Chitosan Nanoparticles and Nanocapsules

Alexandre L. Parize, Adalberto Enumo Jr and Natália B. Caon Branco

Abstract

Technological advances achieved by biocompatible systems in several areas have attracted increasing interest in the development of nanometric systems based on biopolymers. In this context, this chapter describes the use of chitosan biopolymer as a carrier and base matrix for the development of nanoparticles and nanocapsules. Chitosan is an abundant natural biopolymer in nature, which is renewable, biocompatible, has hemostatic and mucoadhesive characteristics, and is an interesting polymer material in the development of nanometric systems. Most of the preparation methods are based on green routes without the presence of organic solvents and toxic agents. Chitosan based nanoparticulated systems can be easily reproduced through simple and easy routes, and applied in various fields such as: food and nutrition industry, agricultural, pharmaceutical, medical, renewable materials, controlled delivery, nanoencapsulation, environmental remediation, adsorption, among others.

Total Pages: 78-106 (29)

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