Chapter 30 - Chitosan Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Chitin and chitosan (CS) are interesting biopolymers that have been widely used in the medical field, particularly in the biomedical area because of their huge ability to undergo changes in structure and mechanical properties to generate new functions and applications. These biopolymers with refined properties can be easily treated in scaffolds, beads, membranes, sponges, and gels. CS is an effective biomedical material for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and toxicity, as well as its antimicrobial and low immunogenicity, which clearly indicates a tremendous potential for future development. CS has many medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, low immunogenicity, etc., which increase its potential in various biomedical applications. CS is a matrix material suitable for the uniform stabilization and dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) in the polymer environment. The properties of nanocomposites depend essentially on the large surface of NPs, which in turn depends on the size and concentration of NP. This chapter discusses several synthesis pathways of NP polymeric compounds. The various techniques for micro/CS preparation also discussed in this chapter. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields are widely using CS-based scaffolds to provide characteristic benefits like conservation of cellular phenotype, tissue regeneration, binding and enhancement of bioactive factor, gene expression control, and extracellular matrix specific tissue deposition. Various types of delivery systems based on CS drugs have been designed to clarify its role in various biomedical applications. In addition, CS biopolymers have been used to produce nanotubes and acts to allow microencapsulation techniques are increasingly under control for the delivery of drugs, biological products, and vaccines. It is likely that each application requires nano/microparticles based on CS designed only with specific dimensions and load release. Gene delivery researchers are widely using biopolymers as a promising nonviral vector. The antimicrobial activity of CS depends on its concentration, molecular weight, degree of substitution, and the type of functional groups added to the CS. The current chapter focuses on various aspects of CS-based nanomaterials, their preparation, and applications for fabric scaffolding, dressings, drug delivery, and cancer diagnosis.