Chitosan-based Nano/Biomaterials in Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Recent Progress and Advances

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, possesses antibacterial, low-toxicity, and biocompatible properties.
• Chitosan can be engineered into various forms, including hydrogels, membranes, scaffolds, and nanoparticles, for biomedical applications.
• Self-healing hydrogels are advanced soft materials with significant potential in biomedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the applications of chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• To highlight their use in bone, cartilage, and tooth tissue regeneration.
• To review their utility in regulated drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels.
• Focus on hydrogels utilizing dynamic imine linkages for self-healing properties.
• Analysis of material characteristics, preparation methods, and in-situ repair capabilities.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and self-repair capabilities in physiological conditions.
• These hydrogels are effective in applications for bone, cartilage, and tooth tissue regeneration.
• Their tunable properties make them suitable for controlled drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels represent a promising class of biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
• Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and optimize their clinical translation.
• These materials offer significant potential for advancing biomedical applications.