The IAVT Department at NPUST recently welcomed Assistant Professor Duc-Thang Vo from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, who delivered an insightful talk on the modification of chitosan and its diverse applications. Dr. Vo’s presentation highlighted the significance of chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from chitin, in both biomedical and environmental fields.
Chitosan’s potential in antibacterial applications was a key focus of the talk. Dr. Vo discussed how chemical modifications can enhance chitosan’s solubility and biological activity, making it more effective against bacteria. For instance, modifications such as hydrophobic and carboxymethyl chitosan have shown promising results in improving antimicrobial properties. These modifications involve altering the amino and hydroxyl groups of chitosan to create derivatives with enhanced biological activities, including antitumor and antioxidant properties. The talk also explored the potential of chitosan in animal vaccine development. Chitosan’s ability to serve as an adjuvant or carrier in vaccine formulations could improve vaccine delivery systems by providing sustained antigen release, thereby enhancing vaccine efficacy. This application aligns with Dr. Vo’s broader research interests in leveraging advanced materials for biomedical applications.
In addition to its biomedical applications, Dr. Vo touched upon the environmental uses of modified chitosan. For example, chitosan derivatives have been used in water treatment to remove contaminants, demonstrating their versatility in addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Vo’s presentation was well-received by the audience, who appreciated the depth of information and the potential applications of chitosan modification. His work serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals interested in advancing the use of chitosan in various sectors.
