Chitooligosaccharides as potential nutraceuticals: production and bioactivities

Abstract

Chitooligosaccharide (COS), a derivative of chitosan, can be produced by either chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis. Looking back through past research, several technological approaches have been taken to prepare COSs, and enzymatic approaches are favorable due to their environmentally friendly methods, safety, and a lack of toxicity. Similar to chitosan, COSs can also be considered potential nutraceuticals due to their versatile biological activities, water-soluble properties, and absorption properties in the intestine. Therefore, this chapter provides certain methods for the preparation of COSs and addresses their biological properties such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and other select biological activities.