J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2021, Vol. 89: 209-224.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2020.12.008

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Progress and prospects in chitosan derivatives: Modification strategies and medical applications

Sheng Dinga, Yuanfeng Wanga,*(), Jianna Lib, Shiguo Chena,*()   

  1. aNanshan District Key Lab for Biopolymers and Safety Evaluation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
    bHealth Science Center School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
  • Received:2020-09-30 Revised:2020-11-04 Accepted:2020-11-10 Published:2021-10-30 Online:2021-10-30
  • Contact: Yuanfeng Wang,Shiguo Chen
  • About author:csg@szu.edu.cn (S. Chen).
    *E-mail addresses: wangyuanfeng@szu.edu.cn (Y. Wang),

Abstract:

Chitosan (CS) is the only natural alkaline polysaccharide originated from deacetylation of chitin that is the main component of shell from marine organisms. It has great potential medical application due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and good water solubility originated from its protonated amino groups under acidic condition and abundant hydroxyl groups. However, unprotonated NH2 group of CS leads to its poor solubility under physiological condition and limits its diverse applications. Therefore, it is highly necessary to summarize the modification strategies of CS derivatives systematically to help researchers select the most appropriate strategies for their specific applications. Herein, we have summarized the modification strategies of CS derivatives for improving their antimicrobial activity, water solubility, biocompatibility, and mechanical property by chemical reaction and physical integration. And then we have reviewed the CS derivatives in hydrogels, nanoparticles, or coatings for medical application in wound dressing, drug delivery, medical implant. Last but not the least, we have put forward the future perspectives of deep studies about structure-activity relationship and clinical applications of CS derivatives.

Key words: Chitosan, Modification, Structure and property, Antimicrobial, Biomedical applications