Chitosan Schiff-Base Hydrogels-A Critical Perspective Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Chitosan's unique amine groups enable polycationic behavior.
• This property is leveraged in Schiff base chemistry for hydrogel formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critically assess Schiff base hydrogels utilizing chitosan.
• Review relevant research on chitosan-based hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Schiff base chemistry with chitosan and aldehydes/oxidized polysaccharides.
• Formation of polyelectrolyte complexes and imine bond gels.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-based hydrogels exhibit rapid gelation.
• These hydrogels demonstrate self-healing and injectability without crosslinking agents.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based Schiff base hydrogels offer significant advantages.
• Further research in materials science and applications is warranted.