Functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids-modified chitosan materials: From synthesis approaches to applications

Biodegradability, biocompatibility, and biological activity are just a few of the unique qualities of chitosan, a biopolymer produced from chitin, that have garnered widespread interest. However, its prospective uses are limited due to its poor solubility in most common solvents. Ionic liquids, specifically Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ImILs), have recently been investigated for their potential to improve the solubility, stability, and functionality of chitosan by physical and chemical modifications. This review provides a brief account of the types of functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids (FImILs) as well as an overview of the approaches employed in the preparation of FImIL- chitosan derivatives. Additionally, it explores the opportunities offered by these approaches, such as the development of novel catalysts, chemical sensors, pollutant scavengers, biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and wound-healing dressings. Future directions will be discussed, with an emphasis on the need for additional research into the synthesis of novel FImILs and the development of innovative approaches for the utilization of these ionic liquids in the modification of chitosan and the creation of smart FImIL-chitosan materials for multidiscipline applications.