Chitosan and Chitosan-based Composites as Biocompatible and BIodegradable Coating Material

Department of Materials Science and EngineeringBiodegradation is a practical solution to combat the current global issues of environmental pollution and climate change. However, these biodegradable products such as regenerated papers, bioplastics etc. have unfavorable properties such as diminished mechanical strength, vulnerability to moisture and so on. Herein, we have developed comprehensive and efficient strategies to overcome these limitations by exploring the use of chitosan and chitosan functionalized silica nanoparticles for the surface modifications of these biodegradable products. Additionally, the effects of varying concentrations and molecular weights of chitosan were investigated. Overall, chitosan and chitosan functionalized silica nanoparticles coating imparted mechanical strength, water repellent and antimicrobial properties to the surface of biodegradable materials. 1clos