Advances in multifunctional chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Multifunctional self-healing hydrogels are gaining traction in biomedical fields.
• Chitosan, a biocompatible polysaccharide, is ideal for hydrogel formation due to reactive groups.
• These hydrogels offer properties like self-healing, adhesion, conduction, and antibacterial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the formation and self-healing mechanisms of chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• To highlight strategies for multi-functionalizing these advanced hydrogels.
• To discuss the biomedical applications of these versatile materials.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing formation pathways of chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• Detailing self-healing mechanisms: Schiff base, metal coordination, hydrogen bonds, etc.
• Reviewing multi-functionalization strategies and biomedical applications.

Main Results:

• Chitosan's structure facilitates the creation of self-healing hydrogels with diverse functionalities.
• Various chemical interactions enable effective self-healing in these hydrogels.
• Chitosan-based hydrogels show promise in wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and biosensors.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels offer a versatile platform for advanced biomedical applications.
• Further development of these materials could significantly impact regenerative medicine and therapeutic delivery.
• This review provides insights into the future potential of multifunctional self-healing hydrogels.