Chitosan-based biomaterials for tissue engineering

Abstract

Derived from chitin, chitosan is a unique biopolymer that exhibits outstanding properties, beside biocompatibility and biodegradability. Most of these peculiar properties arise from the presence of primary amines along the chitosan backbone. As a consequence, this polysaccharide is a relevant candidate in the field of biomaterials, especially for tissue engineering. The current article highlights the preparation and properties of innovative chitosan-based biomaterials, with respect to their future applications. The use of chitosan in 3D-scaffolds-as gels and sponges-and in 2D-scaffolds-as films and fibers-is discussed, with a special focus on wound healing application. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.