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Quaternized Chitosan Crosslinked Networks for pH-Responsive Macromolecule Delivery: A Review
Tongtong Wang1,2, Hui Sun1,2
1School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
Polymers
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Quaternized chitosan (QCS) materials with dynamic covalent networks offer pH-responsive properties for intelligent packaging and targeted therapy. Green crosslinkers enhance QCS properties, addressing limitations for broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Chitosan is a biocompatible polysaccharide with antibacterial properties but limited solubility and mechanical strength.
- Existing chitosan applications are restricted by poor solubility in neutral pH and suboptimal mechanical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular design, crosslinking strategies, and applications of quaternized chitosan (QCS) materials.
- To explore the potential of QCS in intelligent packaging and targeted therapy by overcoming inherent chitosan limitations.
Main Methods:
- Construction of dynamic covalent networks using QCS and green crosslinkers (genipin, dialdehyde cellulose).
- Investigation of synergistic Schiff-base/hydrogen-bonding mechanisms for dual responsive release.
- Analysis of the relationship between quaternization degree and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- QCS materials exhibit excellent pH-responsive intelligence through dynamic covalent networks.
- Synergistic Schiff-base/hydrogen-bonding enables dual pH/enzyme responsive release.
- Green crosslinkers effectively tailor network properties and improve material characteristics.
Conclusions:
- QCS integrated with green crosslinkers shows significant potential for intelligent packaging and antibacterial-anticancer synergistic therapy.
- Addressing the quaternization degree-cytotoxicity relationship is crucial for clinical translation.
- The 'perception-response' design principle of QCS offers advanced functionalities for biomedical applications.
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