A linear polymer of N-acetyl glucosamine, chitin is said to be the most abundant aminopolysaccharide polymer in nature. It is a common post-harvest food additive that, believe it or not, is derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and the cell walls of fungi.
You would have no idea it is there, but chitin, or chitosan, is slathered over vegetables and fruit as a protective coating to prolong their shelf life. It is also used on eggs, meat, and in dairy products.
Preharvest, chitosan is spread around artichoke seeds, for instance, which allows for artificially easier germination – meaning more profits for food companies. The insect-derived compound is also used to accelerate root system growth – again for quicker and more profitable harvests.
“Soybean seeds coated by chitosan had anti-feeding effects and protected against several insect pests, and coating rice seeds increased antifungal effect, stimulated seeding growth, improved root system, and increased crop yield,” reports explain.
“Tomato seeds coated with chitosan resulted in resistance to infection by inducing plant defense mechanisms. Chickpea seeds treated with chitosan-silver nanoparticles promoted germination and increased biomass, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and protein contents as well as amylase activity and defense enzyme activities. Similar effects were demonstrated in maize seeds coated with Cu / chitosan nanoparticles.”..<<<Read More>>>....