American Journal of Applied Science and Technology
86
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajast
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 06 2025
PAGE NO.
86-88
10.37547/ajast/Volume05Issue06-19
Comparative Analysis of Plant- And Animal-Derived
Chitosan: Physicochemical Properties and Biomedical
Applications
Rasulova Yulduz Zikrulloyevna
Bukhara State Medical Institute, Uzbekistan
Received:
23 April 2025;
Accepted:
19 May 2025;
Published:
21 June 2025
Abstract:
Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide obtained from the deacetylation of chitin, has gained significant
attention due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and multifunctional properties. Traditionally extracted from
animal sources such as crustacean shells, plant-derived chitosan from fungi and mushrooms is emerging as a
promising alternative. This article presents a comprehensive comparison of chitosan derived from animal and plant
sources, focusing on structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and biomedical applications. Analytical
techniques including FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD, are reviewed to highlight differences and
similarities. The findings indicate the potential for tailored biomedical applications based on the chitosan source,
with implications for sustainable development and medical innovation.
Keywords:
FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD.
Introduction:
Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed
primarily of β
-
(1→4)
-linked D-glucosamine units,
obtained by partial deacetylation of chitin. It is widely
used in biomedical fields for wound healing, drug
delivery, and tissue engineering due to its non-
toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
Traditionally, chitosan is extracted from crustacean
shells such as shrimp and crab. However, animal-
derived chitosan presents some limitations, including
allergenicity and environmental concerns linked to
seafood waste.
Recently,
plant-based
sources
of
chitosan,
particularly fungi and mushrooms like Agaricus
bisporus, have garnered attention. These sources
offer eco-friendly extraction methods, reduced
allergenic risk, and distinct physicochemical
properties. This paper aims to compare the structural
and functional properties of chitosan derived from
animal and plant sources, emphasizing their
biomedical applicability.
Sources and Chemical Structure
Animal-Derived Chitosan
Animal chitosan is primarily obtained from the
exoskeletons of crustaceans, which contain 15
–
20%
chitin.
Extraction
involves
demineralization,
deproteinization, and deacetylation steps. The
degree of deacetylation (DDA) significantly influences
solubility and biological activity. Animal-derived
chitosan typically exhibits a high DDA (above 80%),
contributing to its strong film-forming ability and
mechanical strength.
Plant-Derived Chitosan
Plant-derived chitosan, especially from fungal
sources, differs in molecular weight and acetylation
patterns. Mushrooms contain chitin in their cell walls,
which can be extracted through eco-friendly
processes with less chemical usage. Plant chitosan
generally has a lower DDA (~70
–
75%) and a more
heterogeneous molecular structure, affecting its
solubility and bioactivity.
Physicochemical Properties
Structural Analysis
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
identifies characteristic functional groups in chitosan.
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
Both sources show amide I (1650 cm⁻¹) and amide II
(1590 cm⁻¹) bands, but plant
-derived chitosan
exhibits broader hydroxyl (-OH) and amino (-NH2)
group peaks, indicating higher moisture retention.
Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy reveals
differences in absorption maxima; animal chitosan
peaks around 230 nm, whereas plant chitosan shows
additional peaks near 280 nm due to phenolic
content.
Figure 1. Comparative bar chart of Degree of Deacetylation, Solubility, and
Antibacterial Activity of chitosan from different sources.
Morphology
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows animal
chitosan has a dense, ordered surface, while plant
chitosan exhibits a porous, fibrous morphology
favorable for adsorption and drug encapsulation.
Degree of Deacetylation and Solubility
Source
Degree of Deacetylation
(%)
Solubility in Acidic
Medium (%)
Animal-derived
82.5
Low
Plant-derived
74.6
Higher
Solubility differences impact biomedical applications
such as drug delivery and tissue scaffolding.
Biomedical Applications
Animal-derived chitosan has demonstrated superior
performance in wound healing and hemostatic
materials due to its high DDA and mechanical
strength. It is widely used in surgical dressings and
antimicrobial coatings.
Plant-derived chitosan offers advantages in drug
delivery systems, gene therapy, and tissue
engineering due to its better solubility and
biocompatibility. Its porous structure supports
cellular adhesion and proliferation.
Both types show antibacterial, antifungal, and
antioxidant activities, but the degree varies with
source and extraction method.
Environmental and Economic Aspects
Animal chitosan production depends on seafood
waste, which poses seasonal and geographical
limitations. Environmental concerns include chemical
waste from processing. Plant chitosan extraction is
more sustainable, with lower chemical consumption
and allergenic risks. Mushrooms can be cultivated
year-round, providing a consistent supply. Economic
feasibility favors animal sources in regions with
abundant seafood, while plant chitosan production is
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
promising for sustainable and hypoallergenic
products.
Diagrammatic Comparison
This section includes bar charts comparing Degree of
Deacetylation (DDA), solubility, and antibacterial
activity; SEM micrographs showing morphology
differences; and UV-Vis spectra overlays.
CONCLUSION
Both animal- and plant-derived chitosan possess
unique physicochemical and biomedical properties.
Animal chitosan excels in mechanical strength and
wound healing applications, while plant chitosan’s
solubility and biocompatibility make it ideal for drug
delivery and tissue engineering. Future research
should focus on hybrid materials combining
advantages of both sources and optimizing extraction
methods for environmental sustainability.
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