Perspective of chitosan hydrogel

Abstract

Chitosan hydrogel are 3-D macromolecular networks cross-linked by deacetylation of chitin. It has several intrinsic characteristics, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, bacteriostatic effects and adequate resources in nature.[1] This kind of biomaterial can be constructed with multi-layered structure without any auxiliary cross-linking agent, which possesses orientated strength and modulus. Moreover recent research shows that these special properties enable chitosan hydrogel to have biological and clinical potential: drug delivery, stem cell carrier, internal fracture fixation material and so on. All of these applications are tightly related to chitosan’s unique abilities and convenience to achieve.