Carboxymethyl chitosan: Properties and biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chitosan (CS) derivatives are valued for biocompatibility and gel-forming abilities, suitable for films, tablets, and nanotech systems.
• CS exhibits limited solubility at physiological pH and rapid swelling, hindering controlled drug release.
• Chemical modification with carboxymethyl groups enhances CS properties, creating carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent applications of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) derivatives.
• To highlight CMC's enhanced properties and biological activities.
• To explore CMC's potential in various biomedical and cosmetic fields.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on CMC derivatives.
• Analysis of chemical modifications affecting CMC properties.
• Compilation of reported biological activities and applications of CMC.

Main Results:

• CMC derivatives exhibit improved water solubility across various pH levels.
• CMC shows significant potential in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cell interaction.
• CMC possesses antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.

Conclusions:

• Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) derivatives offer significant advantages over native chitosan due to enhanced solubility and tunable properties.
• CMC's diverse biological activities and physicochemical characteristics make it a promising biomaterial for advanced applications in medicine and cosmetics.
• Further research into CMC derivatives will likely expand their use in drug delivery, bioimaging, and regenerative medicine.