Chitin and its derivatives: Functional biopolymers for developing bioproducts for sustainable agriculture-A reality?

Chitinous materials (chitin and its derivatives) are obtained from renewable sources, mainly shellfish waste, having a great potential for the development of bioproducts as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. Recent studies have provided evidence that the use of these biopolymers can help control postharvest diseases, increase the content of nutrients available to plants, and elicit positive metabolic changes that lead to higher plant resistance against pathogens. However, agrochemicals are still widely and intensively used in agriculture. This perspective addresses the gap in knowledge and innovation to make bioproducts based on chitinous materials more competitive in the market. It also provides the readers with background to understand why these products are scarcely used and the aspects that need to be considered to increase their use. Finally, information on the development and commercialization of agricultural bioproducts containing chitin or its derivatives in the Chilean market is also provided.

Automated summary

Chitinous materials, derived from renewable sources such as shellfish waste, have the potential to replace synthetic agrochemicals in the development of bioproducts. Recent studies have shown that these biopolymers can effectively control postharvest diseases, enhance nutrient availability for plants, and improve plant resistance against pathogens. However, there is still a gap in knowledge and innovation that needs to be addressed to make chitinous-based bioproducts more competitive in the market. This perspective article also provides insights into the development and commercialization of agricultural bioproducts containing chitin or its derivatives in the Chilean market.