Application of Chitosan-Based Materials

The main applications of chitosan and the electrostatic complexes discussed are antithrom-bogenic materials, controlled-release encapsulation of drugs, immobilization of enzymes and cells, and gene carriers. The advantage of chitosan in such materials is its biodegradability but 

The cationic character of chitosan in acidic medium is unique. It is the only pseudonatural cationic existing polymer. The film-forming property and biological activity of chitosan also open new applications. In Table 4.4, the main applications of chitosan as biomaterials are recalled. In particular, the drug-delivery applications are available by oral, nasal, parenteral and/or transdermal administration. 

Wound-dressing materials and tissue engineering are important domains under development [194-200]. New adhesives were proposed recently [201,202], Especially Az-chitosan was shown to be nontoxic, cytocompatible and mechanically suitable in peripheral surgeries [202], Chitosan is suitable for transmucosomal administration of drugs [203], 

An interesting application concerns the chitosan- calcium phosphate cement. Chitosan or chitosan glycerophosphate mixed with calcium phosphate and citric acid forms an attractive injectable self-hardening system for bone repair or filling indications [134, 213, 214], 

Microspheres [76] Enzyme immobilization Oral, Implantable, ocular, injectable 

---

This review firstly focuses on modification of the chitosan molecule to obtain desired properties and functions. The most important material forms (porous scaffolds, hydrogels, and rods) and delivery vectors fabricated from chitosan and its derivatives will be introduced. Particularly, the interaction and modulation of stem cell behavior by chitosan will be discussed. Finally, the applications of chitosan-based materials for repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs such as skin, cartilage, and bone will be summarized. 

---