*2.1. Materials and Equipment*

Chitosan (Mwt. approximately 50,000–190,000 g/mol) with an average deacetylation of 75–85%, dimethyl sulfoxide (> 99.7%, DMSO), methylene blue (MB), and pectin from citrus peel galacturonic acid ≥ 74.0% (dry basis) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Edmonton, AB, Canada). Ultrasonic homogenizer (FisherbrandTM Model 505) is from Fisher Scientific (Edmonton, AB, Canada).
