Anti-COVID-19 Credentials of Chitosan Composites and Derivatives: Future Scope?

Abstract

Chitosan derivatives and composites are the next generation polymers for biomedical applications. With their humble origins from the second most abundant naturally available polymer chitin, chitosan is currently one of the most promising polymer systems, with wide biological applications. This current review gives a bird’s eye view of the antimicrobial applications of chitosan composites and derivatives. The antiviral activity and the mechanisms behind the inhibitory activity of these components have been reviewed. Specifically, the anti-COVID-19 aspects of chitosan composites and their derivatives have been compiled from the existing scattered reports and presented. Defeating COVID-19 is the battle of this century, and the chitosan derivative-based combat strategies naturally become very attractive. The challenges ahead and future recommendations have been addressed.

N-dihydrogalactochitosan reduces mortality in a lethal mouse model of SARS-CoV-2

“…More recently, other studies have also explored the use of chitosan and derivatives against SARS-CoV-2, and although chitosan has not been tested for a breadth of activity against a broad range of viruses, other studies speculate that the chitosan compound family may exert broad antiviral properties [ 37 , 77 ]. A recent review [ 78 ] covered the uses of chitosan and derivatives, exploring in detail some of the compound alterations that boost antimicrobial potential. The spectrum of potential applications noted is particularly broad, and includes antibacterial, antifungal as well as antiviral, (including influenza and potentially other respiratory viruses), and anticancer opportunities.…”