Application, mode of action, and in vivo activity of chitosan and its micro- and nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents: A review

Chitosan is widely used as an antimicrobial agent due to its biodegradability, nontoxicity, and antimicrobial properties. Although in vitro antimicrobial activity of chitosan and its derivatives were reviewed recently, its in vivo activity is not recapitulated sufficiently. This review will focus on recent studies of in vivo antimicrobial activity of chitosan and its micro- and nanoparticles to enhance food safety and animal diseases treatment. Three major factors affecting the antimicrobial activity include microbial, intrinsic, and environmental factors are discussed. The accepted and potential mechanisms regarding the use of chitosan and its micro- and nanoparticles are discussed to further understand their antimicrobial properties.