Chitosan: An Update on Potential Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications.
Chitosan is a natural polycationic linear polysaccharide derived from chitin. The low solubility of chitosan in neutral and alkaline solution limits its application. Nevertheless, chemical modification into composites or hydrogels brings to it new functional properties for different applications. Chitosans are recognized as versatile biomaterials because of their non-toxicity, low allergenicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review presents the recent research, trends and prospects in chitosan. Some special pharmaceutical and biomedical applications are also highlighted.
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. chifaicheung@cuhk.edu.hk.
Randy Chi Fai
RC
Cheung
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. b021770@mailserv.cuhk.edu.hk.
Tzi Bun
TB
Ng
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. jack1993@yahoo.com.
Jack Ho
JH
Wong
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. chanwy@cuhk.edu.hk.
Wai Yee
WY
Chan
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D048271:Chitosan / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D048271:Chitosan
biomedical applications; chitosan; pharmaceutical applications