Which application is most likely associated with chitosan?

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, make it particularly well-suited for various applications in the biomedical field.

In the context of drug delivery systems, chitosan can be utilized to encapsulate medications, allowing for controlled release and targeted delivery within the body. The polymer can form nanoparticles or hydrogels, which protect the drugs from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and enhance their absorption. This characteristic is fundamental in improving the efficacy of the drugs and minimizing side effects. The ability to modify chitosan chemically also allows for the customization of drug delivery systems to meet specific therapeutic needs.

While chitosan indeed has applications in other areas such as bone scaffolding, polymer-based packaging, and food preservation, its most significant and compelling uses lie in drug delivery due to its ability to enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and efficacy through advanced formulations.