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Review
. 2017 Dec;14(6):1276-1289.
doi: 10.1111/iwj.12797. Epub 2017 Aug 10.

Chitin and chitosan: biopolymers for wound management

Rita Singh  1 , Kirti Shitiz  1 , Antaryami Singh  1
Affiliations
Review

Chitin and chitosan: biopolymers for wound management

Rita Singh et al. Int Wound J. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Chitin and chitosan are biopolymers with excellent bioactive properties, such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, haemostatic activity and antimicrobial activity. A wide variety of biomedical applications for chitin and chitin derivatives have been reported, including wound-healing applications. They are reported to promote rapid dermal regeneration and accelerate wound healing. A number of dressing materials based on chitin and chitosan have been developed for the treatment of wounds. Chitin and chitosan with beneficial intrinsic properties and high potential for wound healing are attractive biopolymers for wound management. This review presents an overview of properties, biomedical applications and the role of these biopolymers in wound care.

Keywords: Biopolymer; Chitin; Chitosan; Healing; Wound dressing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structure of chitin and chitosan.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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