[Chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complexes: a review]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Polymer Science
• Materials Science

Context:

• Polyelectrolyte complexes are formed between oppositely charged polymers.
• Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, is a versatile cationic polyelectrolyte.
• Biologically active compounds, including nucleic acids, possess diverse physicochemical properties.

Purpose:

• To review the formation of polyelectrolyte chitosan complexes with biologically active compounds.
• To explore the prospects of utilizing these complexes in various applications.
• To discuss the preparation and properties of modified chitosan for complexation.

Summary:

• Chitosan can form polyelectrolyte complexes with various biologically active compounds.
• Low-molecular-weight, water-soluble chitosan derivatives with varying degrees of acetylation can be synthesized.
• These modified chitosans are particularly effective for binding nucleic acids into stable complexes.

Impact:

• Chitosan complexes offer potential for drug delivery, gene therapy, and biomaterial development.
• Understanding chitosan complexation enhances the design of novel functional materials.
• This review highlights chitosan's utility in advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications.