Chitosanase (Csn)

Chitosanase is a specialized glycoside hydrolase (EC 3.2.1.132) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of beta-1,4-glycosidic linkages in chitosan, a partially deacetylated derivative of chitin [1, 3]. This enzyme is widely distributed among bacteria, fungi, and certain plants, where it facilitates biomass degradation and fungal cell wall morphogenesis [5, 15]. While not naturally occurring in humans, chitosanase is highly valued in biotechnology for the production of chitooligosaccharides (COS), which exhibit bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects [17, 18]. In pharmaceutical research, it is considered a potential target for the development of novel antifungal agents to disrupt the cell wall integrity of pathogens [13]. Additionally, it has been explored as a functional tool in drug delivery to trigger the degradation of chitosan-based hydrogels, allowing for the controlled and regulated release of encapsulated therapeutics in specific sites like the inner ear [6, 12].

Other names

Chitosan N-acetylglucosaminohydrolaseChitosan hydrolaseChitosan glycofuranosidaseEndo-chitosanaseExo-chitosanase

Endo-type or exo-type cleavage of glycosidic bonds in poly-D-glucosamine chains.