Chitosan

Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, the chief component in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and beetles. It is used in horticulture and agriculture as a biopesticide, and plant growth enhancer; and in medicine as a coagulant. As a sprayed coating, cyanoethylated chitosan is used to protect historic paper material. Chitosan is also found as an organic component incorporated into polymer materials to form a self-healing coating which promises to render the painted surfaces it is applied to scratch-free.