Chitin and its derivatives: Functional biopolymers for developing bioproducts for sustainable agriculture-A reality?

Abstract

Chitinous materials (chitin and its derivatives) are obtained from renewable sources, mainly shellfish waste, having a great potential for the development of bioproducts as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. Recent studies have provided evidence that the use of these biopolymers can help control postharvest diseases, increase the content of nutrients available to plants, and elicit positive metabolic changes that lead to higher plant resistance against pathogens. However, agrochemicals are still widely and intensively used in agriculture. This perspective addresses the gap in knowledge and innovation to make bioproducts based on chitinous materials more competitive in the market. It also provides the readers with background to understand why these products are scarcely used and the aspects that need to be considered to increase their use. Finally, information on the development and commercialization of agricultural bioproducts containing chitin or its derivatives in the Chilean market is also provided.

Keywords: Agriculture; Bioproducts; Chitin; Chitosan; Oligomers.