Abstract
Chitin (β-(1-4)-poly-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) is widely distributed in nature and is the second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose. It is often converted to its more deacetylated derivative, chitosan. Previously, many reports have indicated the accelerating effects of chitin, chitosan, and its derivatives on wound healing. More recently, chemically modified or nano-fibrous chitin and chitosan have been developed, and their effects on wound healing have been evaluated. In this review, the studies on the wound-healing effects of chitin, chitosan, and its derivatives are summarized. Moreover, the development of adhesive-based chitin and chitosan are also described. The evidence indicates that chitin, chitosan, and its derivatives are beneficial for the wound healing process. More recently, it is also indicate that some nano-based materials from chitin and chitosan are beneficial than chitin and chitosan for wound healing. Clinical applications of nano-based chitin and chitosan are also expected.
Highlights
Chitin (Figure 1, β-(1-4)-poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) is widely distributed in nature and is the second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose [1]
Burns treated with high molecular weight chitosan had significantly more epithelial tissue, and the best re-epithelialization and fastest wound closure were obtained in the high-molecular-weight chitosan treatment group
The results indicated that wounds infected with S. aureus and treated with chitin nanofibrils (CNFs) membranes showed a significant reduction in gram-positive staining, enhancing wound healing while concomitantly limiting wound infection
Summary
Chitin (Figure 1, β-(1-4)-poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) is widely distributed in nature and is the second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose [1]. Chitin and chitosan are used in various types of biomedical applications such as drug and gene delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, and stem cell technology [7]. The wound healing process has been described as being comprised of five overlapping stages, which involve complex biochemical and cellular processes. These phases are described as homeostasis, inflammation, migration, proliferation, and maturation [35]. Techniques for the isolation and manufacturing of nanofibrillar chitin and chitosan have been developed. Due to the development of this technology, applications of nano-chitin and nano-chitosan have become more widespread. Recent investigations and developments using nano-chitin and nano-chitosan for wound healing are described
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