Knowledge Zone
CHITOZAN - a molecule with great potential
Chitozn is a natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and biofunctional polymer, safe for the human body and the environment. It is obtained from the shells of marine crustaceans by deacetylation of chitin, which, after cellulose, is the most abundant organic material found in nature. It shows antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties.
Effect of chitozan on the body
– lowers cholesterol levels
– increases the body’s immune system by increasing T-lymphocyte activity
– lowers blood pressure
– favourably influences intestinal peristalsis
– eliminates hyperacidity and flatulence
– regulates the pancreas and liver
– cleanses the body of toxins, heavy metals and other harmful substances
Chitozan in cosmetics
– stimulates collagen production
– accelerates wound and sunburn healing
– prevents the formation of scars
– alleviates changes after insect bites
– inhibits the skin aging process
– prevents moisture loss through the skin
– Protects against free radicals and microorganisms
– accelerates wound and sunburn healing
– prevents the formation of scars
– alleviates changes after insect bites
– inhibits the skin aging process
– prevents moisture loss through the skin
– Protects against free radicals and microorganisms
Chitozan in agriculture
– has a positive effect on crop quality and yield
– stimulates the natural immunity of plants in the fight against pathogens.
– stimulates root system development
– used in the form of spraying produces a kind of film on the plant to prevent excessive evaporation of water, as well as a barrier against pests.
– protects plants from stress.
– stimulates the natural immunity of plants in the fight against pathogens.
– stimulates root system development
– used in the form of spraying produces a kind of film on the plant to prevent excessive evaporation of water, as well as a barrier against pests.
– protects plants from stress.
CHITOZAN
Chitosan is a polymer commonly found in nature. It is obtained from chitin, which is a structural material of crustaceans (shrimps, crabs, crayfish, krill), insects, fungi and bacteria. It is a polysaccharide with a molecular structure very similar to cellulose. As a compound of natural origin, non-toxic and biodegradable, it is completely safe for the environment.
In terms of chemical structure, it is a polysaccharide composed of many amino sugar molecules, connected to each other by β 1-4 bonds. This amino sugar is chitosamine (D-glucosamine), which is a derivative of D-glucose, in which the OH group in the second position has been substituted with an amino group (NH2). In comparison, cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of D-glucose molecules also linked by a β1-4 bond.
The term chitosan is used for compounds formed by deacetylation of chitin as a result of the action of concentrated alkali at elevated temperature, which leads to a gradual elimination of acetate groups and formation of free amino groups in the glycosidic rings of the biopolymer.
It is assumed that in its natural form chitin occurs in a partially acetylated form i.e. through OH or NH2 groups the acetyl group CH3-C=o is attached ( furda 1983).
Interestingly, despite its close affinity to cellulose, chitin does not occur in higher plants. However, it shows high biological activity in relation to it, e.g. increasing the resistance of plants to unfavourable environmental conditions, to fungal and bacterial infections.
In terms of chemical structure, it is a polysaccharide composed of many amino sugar molecules, connected to each other by β 1-4 bonds. This amino sugar is chitosamine (D-glucosamine), which is a derivative of D-glucose, in which the OH group in the second position has been substituted with an amino group (NH2). In comparison, cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of D-glucose molecules also linked by a β1-4 bond.
The term chitosan is used for compounds formed by deacetylation of chitin as a result of the action of concentrated alkali at elevated temperature, which leads to a gradual elimination of acetate groups and formation of free amino groups in the glycosidic rings of the biopolymer.
It is assumed that in its natural form chitin occurs in a partially acetylated form i.e. through OH or NH2 groups the acetyl group CH3-C=o is attached ( furda 1983).
Interestingly, despite its close affinity to cellulose, chitin does not occur in higher plants. However, it shows high biological activity in relation to it, e.g. increasing the resistance of plants to unfavourable environmental conditions, to fungal and bacterial infections.
Chitozan
Humic Acids
Humic Acids
Humic acids are formed by the decomposition of organic residues. Thanks to their properties, they act as the “glue” of soil colloids, binding insoluble ions and releasing them as plants require. Humic acids modify soil structure, preventing water loss and erosion in sandy soils and improving aeration in compact soils. They have a beneficial effect on seed germination, their viability. In addition to the effect on germination and plant growth, the effect of humic acids on the multiplication of beneficial soil microorganisms, as well as stimulating the immune system of plants can also be observed. They have the ability to bind insoluble metal ions, oxides and hydroxides and release them slowly as needed by the plant. Due to their properties, we can speak of three types of action: physical, chemical and biological.
Physical effects of humic acids:
– modify the soil structure,
– increase the water holding capacity of the soil and thus reduce the risk of drought,
– prevent soil cracking, surface water runoff and soil erosion by increasing the water binding capacity of colloids,
– improve structure, prevent water and nutrient loss in light sandy soils,
– loosen compact soils and improve their aeration,
– a darker soil color increases the absorption of solar energy.
– increase the water holding capacity of the soil and thus reduce the risk of drought,
– prevent soil cracking, surface water runoff and soil erosion by increasing the water binding capacity of colloids,
– improve structure, prevent water and nutrient loss in light sandy soils,
– loosen compact soils and improve their aeration,
– a darker soil color increases the absorption of solar energy.
Chemical action of humic acids:
– neutralize the soil pH,
– enrich the soil with mineral and organic substances,
– improve nutrient and water availability to plants,
– retains water-soluble mineral fertilizers in the root zone and reduces their leaching,
– acts as a natural chelating agent for metal ions in alkaline environments and facilitates their uptake by the root system,
– have a very high colloid exchange capacity, increase the conversion of nutrients (NPK and micronutrients) to plant-available forms,
– increase nitrogen uptake by the plant,
– help eliminate chlorosis caused by lack of iron,
– reduce the availability of toxic substances from the soil.
– enrich the soil with mineral and organic substances,
– improve nutrient and water availability to plants,
– retains water-soluble mineral fertilizers in the root zone and reduces their leaching,
– acts as a natural chelating agent for metal ions in alkaline environments and facilitates their uptake by the root system,
– have a very high colloid exchange capacity, increase the conversion of nutrients (NPK and micronutrients) to plant-available forms,
– increase nitrogen uptake by the plant,
– help eliminate chlorosis caused by lack of iron,
– reduce the availability of toxic substances from the soil.
Biological effects of humic acids:
– stimulate plant growth by accelerating cell division,
– act as organic catalysts for many biological processes.
– stimulate plant enzymes and increase their production,
– increase the natural resistance of plants to diseases and pests,
– stimulate root growth, especially vertical roots, thus increasing nutrient uptake,
– increase root respiration,
– support photosynthesis,
– increase seed germination and viability,
– stimulate growth and multiplication of beneficial soil microorganisms.
– act as organic catalysts for many biological processes.
– stimulate plant enzymes and increase their production,
– increase the natural resistance of plants to diseases and pests,
– stimulate root growth, especially vertical roots, thus increasing nutrient uptake,
– increase root respiration,
– support photosynthesis,
– increase seed germination and viability,
– stimulate growth and multiplication of beneficial soil microorganisms.