| Chitosan, derived from chitin, has established itself as a key biomaterial in regenerative medicine. Thanks to its biocompatibility, modifiability, and bioactive properties, it enables tissue repair, controlled drug release, and the simulation of organ regeneration, including skin, bone and heart. Its versatility positions it as one of the most promising biopolymers in medical bioengineering. |
Regenerative medicine is advancing towards more effective and less invasive solutions through the use of biomaterials of natural origin. Among them, chitosan derived from chitin, has captured the attention of the scientific community due to its exceptional bioactive and structural properties. Its porous and adaptable structure makes it an ideal tool for tissue regeneration, controlled drug release, and cellular support.
Moreover, its low cost, natural availability, and capacity for chemical modification, positions it as one of the most promising materials in medical bioengineering. Its applications are rapidly expanding into areas such as bone, neural, and cardiovascular tissue engineering, demonstrating its strong therapeutic potential.
Adaptable and Functional Structures
Chitosan can be transformed into various formats depending on medical needs: nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, or membranes. These forms allow customized treatments to repair organs or serve as vehicles for targeted therapies. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in the regeneration of bone, cartilage, skin, nerves and cardiac tissue, by mimicking the natural extracellular matrix that surrounds cells.
Its mechanical properties, although limited in their pure form, improve significantly when combined with other polymers or minerals, such as hydroxyapatite, which is particularly useful in bone and dental applications.
Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing
Chitosan scaffolds function as support structures that guide cellular growth. They promote cell adhesion, migration, and organization, facilitating the creation of new tissue. In skin regeneration, for example, chitosan-based dressings not only protect the wound but also accelerate healing, reduce scar formation, and act against infections.
Thanks to its amine groups, chitosan supports blood clotting, which is a key advantage in treating open wounds. Additionally, it possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, meaning it not only prevents infections but also helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Controlled therapy and sustained release
Another major contribution of chitosan is its ability to function as a delivery system for drugs, genes, and bioactive compounds. Chitosan enables the encapsulation of these agents and their sustained release over time. This has proven effective in treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Its mucoadhesive properties allow for administration through various routes: oral, topical, sublingual, or parental. In this way, it enhances drug absorption, reduces dosing frequency, increases therapeutic efficacy, and minimizes side effects.
Cardiovascular Applications
One of the most notable advances is its use in cardiac regeneration. Injectable chitosan hydrogels have been shown to prevent adverse cardiac remodeling and improve heart function after heart attacks in experimental models. This approach offers hope for the treatment of heart diseases by reducing tissue damage and facilitating the repair of affected areas.
Conclusion
Chitosan represents a new era in regenerative medicine. Its natural origin, ease of modification, compatibility with the human body, and wide range of applications make it an extremely valuable resource. Although it still faces technical challenges, such as limited solubility in neutral media, current advancements are overcoming these barriers and opening more therapeutic opportunities. Chitosan-based bioengineering is no longer a promise of the future, but a reality in progress.
References
- Gupta, P., Sharma, S., Jabin, S., & Jadoun, S. (2024). Chitosan nanocomposite for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 252 (Pt 1), 127660.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127660
- Haider, A., Khan, S., Iqbal, D. N., Khan, S.U., Haider, S., Mohammed, K., Mustfa, G., Rizwan, M., & Haider, A. (2024). Chitosan as a tool for tissue engineering and rehabilitation: Recent developments and future perspectives- A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 278 (Pt 1), 134172.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134172
- Kim, Y., Zharkinbekov, Z., Raziyeva, K., Tabyldiyeva, L., Berikova, K., Zhumagul, D., Temirkhanova, K., & Saparov, A. (2023). Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration. Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 807.
