Chitosan-based hydrogels: From preparation to biomedical applications

Abstract

The advances in the field of biomaterials have led to several studies on alternative biocompatible devices and to their development focusing on their properties, benefits, limitations, and utilization of alternative resources. Due to their advantages like biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low cost, polysaccharides have been widely used in the development of hydrogels. Among the polysaccharides studied on hydrogels preparation, chitosan (pure or combined with natural/synthetic polymers) have been widely investigated for use in biomedical field. In view of potential applications of chitosan-based hydrogels, this review focuses on the most recent progress made with respect to preparation, properties, and their salient accomplishments for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Keywords: Biomaterial; Chitosan; Drug delivery; Hydrogel; Tissue engineering.