Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Review

Recently, nanotechnology has garnered significant interest across various fields due to its emerging and diverse applications. Numerous investigators have proposed that chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) stand out as some of the most promising nanomaterials for facilitating various activities. Chitosan, a natural biopolymer established through the deacetylation of chitin, has been extensively studied using interdisciplinary approaches for a wide range of applications. Chitosan biomaterials exhibit distinctive attributes, including biodegradability, muco-adhesion, and biocompatibility, as well as a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal properties. Furthermore, chitosan stands as the sole naturally occurring cationic polysaccharide, and it can be chemically tailored into various derivatives, depending on the intended role and utilization. The potential applications of chitosan are vast and intriguing, with many yet to be fully explored and understood. The unique characteristics of chitosan have sparked growing attentiveness in pharmaceutical industries and biomedical areas around the globe. The characteristics of chitosan like its biocompatibility, and anti-inflammatory effects hold the potential to yield promising outcomes in wound healing and periodontal care following tooth extractions. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of potential applications of chitosan in the field of dentistry.