Chitosan is the only known natural alkaline cationic polymer with excellent biocompatibility, antibacterial properties and biodegradability. It has become a new type of physiological functional material and is widely used in medicine, environmental protection, textiles, food , cosmetics, agriculture and other fields. Chitosan is listed in the national food additive use standard as a thickening agent and a coating agent.
1. Antiseptic and preservative
Chitosan has strong antibacterial properties and antioxidant properties, and its application in the food industry can play a good role in anti-corrosion and fresh-keeping. In terms of fruits and vegetables, the good film-forming properties of chitosan can be used as a preservative for fruits and vegetables in the storage process, preventing the invasion of microorganisms and reducing the decay rate of fruits and vegetables; in meat products, chitosan is mainly used. The bacteriostatic and antioxidant properties of sugar enhances the preservation effect and prolongs the shelf life.
2. Edible antibacterial packaging
The film-forming properties of chitosan have also been successfully applied to food packaging. The antimicrobial coating treatment of vegetables, fruits, grains and fish makes the invasion of microorganisms a protective barrier, thus guaranteeing the sensory and nutritional quality of the food.
3. Thickeners and emulsifiers
Chitosan can also act as a thickener and stabilizer. China has approved the use of chitosan as a food thickener in 2007. Studies have shown that after chitosan is made into microcrystals or dispersions, its emulsifying, thickening and stabilizing properties will be further improved, and the application effect in cold beverage products is good. Chitosan can be used as a thickener and stabilizer in the production of food such as bread products and jams.
4. Juice clarifier
The clarification mechanism of chitosan is related to the positive charge of chitosan molecules, which can adsorb substances such as negatively charged pectin and protein in fruit juice. Due to the long-chain linear structure of chitosan, multi-particle impurities can be adsorbed on the same molecule to form flocs, and finally settle to achieve the purpose of clarification.
5. Enzyme immobilization carrier
The chitosan hydrochloric acid solution is sprayed into the alkaline solution for coagulation, and the chitosan fine particles obtained by separation and regeneration can be used as the immobilized enzyme carrier. This application of immobilization technology makes glycosyltransferase shorter in action time and stronger in activity. The enzyme immobilized by chitosan can be widely used in sugar, wine, vinegar and other food industries.
6. Functional food additives
Chitosan oligosaccharides are added as raw materials to health care products that regulate blood sugar or blood lipids, and can also be used as additives for diet food. Chitosan is a prebiotic because it is not easily digested by intestinal enzymes, which is conducive to the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Used in microcapsules
Chitosan is an ideal microcapsule wall material because of its non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and film-forming properties. Microencapsulation of chitosan increases its added value and expands its application range.
The article is from "Research Progress of Chitosan in Food Field"
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