Preface

This book is an introduction to the physicochemical properties and industrial applications of chitosan. It discusses the synthesis, purification, analysis, and properties of chitin-chitosan polymers as a renewable source of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and presents various practical and potential new applications of these materials. Each chapter deals with a very specific research topic, updates the latest results obtained by researchers, and offers readers interesting academic research perspectives. This book is highly recommended for industrial personnel involved in bioprocesses, biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering, food engineering, and medical and pharmaceutical industries as well as readers interested in environmental protection and who wish to specialize in chitin and chitosan derivative technologies.

I am grateful to all persons that contributed to the editorial process in any manner or capacity, particularly Dr. Yahya Bachra for his contribution to the revision of the chapters and Author Service Managers Mr. Mateo Pulko and Mrs. Maja Bozicevic at IntechOpen for their assistance during the preparation of this book.

**Mohammed Berrada**

Professor, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sick, Department of Chemistry, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco

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Section 1

Drug Delivery Systems

Section 1
