[Antibacterial and antimycotic activity of chitosan: mechanisms of action and role of the structure]

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2009 Sep-Oct:(5):91-7.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

Chitosan biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin has antibacterial and antimycotic action. Known data about mechanisms of biocide effect of chitosan are described in the review. Role of chemical structure--molecular weight, level of deacetylation and presence of nanoparticles--in the expression of antibacterial and antimycotic activity is discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Chitin / metabolism
  • Chitosan / chemistry
  • Chitosan / pharmacology*
  • Fungi / drug effects*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanoparticles
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Chitin
  • Chitosan