Versatile Use of Chitosan and Hyaluronan in Medicine

Abstract

Chitosan is industrially acquired by the alkaline N-deacetylation of chitin. Chitin belongs to the β-N-acetyl-glucosamine polymers, providing structure, contrary to α-polymers, which supply food with energy. Another β-polymer providing structure is hyaluronan. A lot of studies have been performed on chitosan to explore its industrial use. Since chitosan is biodegradable, non-toxic, bacteriostatic, and fungistatic, it has numerous applications in medicine. Hyaluronan, one of the major structural components of the extracellular matrix in vertebrate tissues, is broadly exploited in medicine as well. This review summarizes the main areas where these two biopolymers have an impact. The reviewed areas mostly cover most medical applications, along with non-medical applications, such as cosmetics.

Antimicrobial Food Packaging with Biodegradable Polymers and Bacteriocins

“…The main source of commercial chitosan is chitin ( Figure 1 ). It is found in green algae, fungal cell walls, cuticles of insects and arachnids, and in the exoskeleton of crustaceans [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

“…Currently, most commercial chitosan is obtained from crustaceans (lobsters, shrimps and crabs), fungi, mollusks, arthropods, the cuticles of insects, and the scales of fish [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. The main components of shellfish shells are chitin (15–40%), protein (20–40%), calcium, and magnesium carbonate (20–50%), along with other minor components such as astaxanthin, lipids, and other minerals [ 29 , 33 ].…”

“…Chitosan is a polysaccharide of N -acetyl- d -glucosamine and d -glucosamine units and it is mainly obtained by the partial deacetylation of chitin [ 6 , 28 , 32 , 40 , 41 ]. Chitosan is commercially obtained through partial deacetylation of chitin, leading to the formation of N -acetyl-glucosamine and d -glucosamine copolymers.…”

“…It functions as an antimicrobial polymer that can be used as an antimicrobial and polymer substrate simultaneously [ 28 ]. When used as ecological friendly packaging for food, chitosan films can extend shelf life and protect fresh food thanks to their good antimicrobial properties [ 32 , 43 ]. As a weak base, chitosan can dissolve in acidic solutions but remains insoluble in water.…”

Self-Associating Polymers Chitosan and Hyaluronan for Constructing Composite Membranes as Skin-Wound Dressings Carrying Therapeutics

“…Hyaluronan (HA), a biopolymer, is composed of repeating disaccharide units of GlcpNAc and d -glucuronic acid, linked exclusively by β-linkages. HA is a member of the glycosaminoglycan family [ 42 , 43 ]. Commercially used HAs have a wide interval of mean molar masses reaching up to several megadaltons (MDa).…”