| Antimicrobial activity |
Cationic nature |
(1) Low molecular weight (MW) chitosan penetrates bacterial walls, binds with DNA, and prevents gene expression37
|
| (2) High MW chitosan binds with negatively charged components on the bacterial cell wall, forming a polymer membrane that prevents nutrients from entering the cell38
|
| Antitumor activity |
Stimulating hormone secretion and cells mature |
(1) Increased lymphokine production resulting in proliferation of cytolytic T-lymphocytes39
|
| (2) Causes maturation or infiltration of macrophages and cytolytic T-lymphocytes and suppresses tumor growth40
|
| Antioxidant activity |
Hydrogen donors |
Scavenges unstable oxygen radicals, such as hydroxyl, superoxide, and alkyl radicals, and highly stable DPPH radicals39
|
