Chitosan-Based Self-Healing Hydrogel: From Fabrication to Biomedical Application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Biocompatible self-healing hydrogels are advanced soft materials with significant biomedical potential.
• Chitosan-based hydrogels, utilizing dynamic imine bonds, are notable for their mild synthesis, biocompatibility, and physiological self-recovery.
• These materials are gaining attention for various biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• To summarize their design, fabrication, and diverse biomedical applications.
• To discuss future challenges and perspectives in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• Analysis of fabrication techniques, focusing on dynamic imine bond chemistry.
• Synthesis of information on applications in tissue regeneration, drug delivery, biosensors, and 3D/4D printing.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels can be prepared under mild conditions with excellent biocompatibility.
• These hydrogels exhibit efficient self-healing capabilities in physiological environments.
• Key applications include tissue engineering scaffolds, controlled drug release systems, sensitive biosensors, and advanced 3D/4D printing.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels represent a promising class of biomaterials.
• Their unique properties facilitate diverse biomedical applications, from regenerative medicine to smart devices.
• Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and unlock their full potential.