Chitosan-protein systems: complexes, colloidal gels and interfaces

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Chitin and its main industrial derivative, chitosan, constitute the principal biopolymers from marine feedstock available today and yet, their potential in terms of value-added products has not been exploited to fullness. A recent report has announced that the world chitin and chitosan market is projected to exceed 118 000 metric tons by 2018, and that penetration into new fields will be required to realize this growth. Chitosan is however a very complex molecule and remains challenging to the scientific community and the industry. One way to overcome these limitations is to develop further knowledge of chitosan physicochemical properties in various physical states and in the presence of other components. For example, complexes formed by proteins and polysaccharides find multiple uses in applications such as encapsulation of micronutrients, stabilization of emulsions, pharmaceuticals, etc. Reports on chitosan/protein complex coacervates have been scarce in the past, however there is a regained interest in recent years considering chitosan unique intrinsic properties such as biological activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity. The long-term objective of this project is to develop novel chitosan-protein complex-based systems, both in the bulk phase and at interfaces, along with fundamental understanding and based on rheological approaches. This research will help to elucidate the interactions that govern the behavior of chitosan in the solution and gel states in the presence of proteins and salts, along with the complex coacervation, colloidal gelation and interfacial viscoelastic film-forming mechanisms. Furthermore, the present proposal aims at formulating chitosan-based high value-added products with end uses that justify a higher cost. Results from this work will greatly valorize this marine macromolecule which has been considered as a waste by the fishing industry for a long time. A significant scientific and socio-economic potential benefit to Canada is expected. Training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) will provide a skilled work force that will be employable in various bio-based high technology sectors related to natural polymers.