Chitosan Applications on Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Review

NIEVA, CINTIA ALEJANDRA BRIONES; VILLEGAS, MERCEDES; CID, ALICIA GRACIELA; ROMERO, ANALÍA IRMA; BERMÚDEZ, JOSÉ MARÍA

Drug Delivery Letters

Bentham Science

Año: 2019 vol. 9 p. 167 - 181

2210-3031

Abstract: Background: Chitosan (CS) is a biomaterial derived from chitin, known for its excellent biologicalproperties. One of the most interesting features of CS is its potential for chemical derivatization,which makes it a versatile material and allows to expand its applications. In the last years, theinterest on this polymer and its pharmaceutical applications has notably increased. This biopolymer isbeing widely studied for its interesting properties, such as bioadhesion, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility,and biodegradability. Other promising properties of CS include its modulation of immunologicalresponse, hemostasis, and wound and bone healing activity.Objective: In this work, a critical review is performed covering its conventional and novel applications,specially focused on pharmaceutical area, providing a clear picture of the current state of art to serve asa basis to direct future research in this field.Conclusion: Despite all the qualities of this polymer, there are only few CS-based products in the market,so it is a priority to enhance the research to develop new technologies and CS-based systems to enforcethis biopolymer in the industry.