Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Wound Healing Applications
Summary
Chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin obtained primarily from crustacean exoskeletons, has emerged as a versatile platform for the design of advanced wound‐healing materials. Its intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability and inherent haemostatic and antimicrobial properties underpin a range of dressings and scaffolds, including hydrogels, films, sponges and nanofibrous meshes. Chemical modification—such as grafting of functional moieties, adjustment of deacetylation degree or blending with natural polysaccharides and proteins—allows fine control over mechanical strength, porosity, degradation rate and bioactive‐agent release. In particular, chitosan hydrogels offer high water retention and conformability to wound beds, while nanocomposite systems incorporating metal ions or growth factors can accelerate tissue regeneration and modulate inflammatory responses. Layer‐by‐layer assembly and electrospinning techniques have produced multilayer films and fibrous scaffolds that mimic extracellular matrix architecture. By leveraging immunomodulatory effects on macrophage phenotype, promoting angiogenesis through sustained growth factor delivery, and providing a moist, protective environment, chitosan‐based biomaterials hold significant promise for acute and chronic wound management. Ongoing work aims to optimise fabrication methods, scale production and integrate real‐time monitoring functionalities to meet global clinical needs.
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Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Wound Healing Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in chitosan-based biomaterials for wound healing applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Chitosan: A biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin, valued for its biodegradability, biocompatibility and antimicrobial features.
Hydrogel: A three‐dimensional network of hydrophilic polymers capable of absorbing substantial fluid while maintaining structural integrity.
Scaffold: A porous, often fibrous, structure designed to mimic extracellular matrix and support cell attachment and tissue regeneration.
Nanovesicle: A nanoscale vesicular system formed from amphiphilic polymers, used to encapsulate and deliver bioactive agents.
Crosslinking: The chemical or physical bonding between polymer chains that enhances mechanical strength and controls degradation rate.
References
- Multi-Functional Chitosan Nanovesicles Loaded with Bioactive Manganese for Potential Wound Healing Applications. Molecules (2023).
- Advanced phosphocreatine-grafted chitosan hydrogel promote wound healing by macrophage modulation. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2023).
- Free-standing multilayer films as growth factor reservoirs for future wound dressing applications. Biomaterials Advances (2022).
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