Chitin- and chitosan-based oleogels: rheological and thermal behavior modifications

Abstract Oleogelation is one of the most recent oil structuring techniques. In this technique, oil is usually structured and solidified using hydrophobic biopolymers without increasing its saturation. Chitin, chitosan, and their modified derivatives are among the newest oleogelator compounds with advantages such as biodegradability, abundance, and relatively low price. The desirable features of these biopolymers have drawn the attention of industries to oleogels. This type of oleogel can be degradable and green substitutes in different industries. The chitin- and chitosan-based oleogels show a solid-like gel character and good resistance against high and low temperatures. The rheological behavior of oleogels containing common chitin and chitosan is less affected by temperature. Samples of medium-molecular-weight chitosan and low-molecular-weight chitosan do not show any melting or glass transition event in the temperature range from −80°C to 200°C. Such properties can be suitable for many applications. Below, some of their most widely used applications, production mechanisms, modification processes, and features are mentioned.