Phenolic acid-chitosan derivatives: An effective strategy to cope with food preservation problems

Chitosan, a cost-effective and eco-friendly natural polymeric material, possesses excellent film-forming properties. However, it has low solubility and biological activity, which hinders its widespread applications. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed phenolic acid-chitosan derivatives that greatly enhance the mechanical, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of chitosan, expanding its potential application, particularly in food preservation. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the structure and biological activity of chitosan and phenolic acid, as well as various synthetic techniques employed in their modification. Phenolic acid-chitosan derivatives exhibit improved physicochemical properties, such as enhanced water solubility, thermal stability, rheological properties, and crystallinity, through grafting techniques. Moreover, these derivatives demonstrate significantly enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Through graft modification, phenolic acid-chitosan derivatives offer promising applications in food preservation for diverse food products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and aquatic products. Their ability to improve the preservation and quality of these food items makes them an appealing option for the food industry. This review intends to provide a deeper understanding of phenolic acid-chitosan derivatives by delving into their synthetic technology, characterization, and application in the realm of food preservation.