Modification of chitosan using amino acids for wound healing purposes: A review

Abstract

Chitosan, a well-known biopolymer due to its unique properties, has received considerable attention as a result of the amine group activity that locates on the backbone of chitosan. To improve the mechanical and antibacterial characteristics of chitosan, various modifications have been used. Amino acids, the monomeric units of proteins, among all other compounds have been chosen to discuss as promising materials for wound healing in combination with chitosan. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the methods used for modification of chitosan and the potential biomedical application, in particular wound healing, reported in the literature during the last five years.

Keywords: Amino acids; Chemical modification; Chitosan; Peptide bonds; Wound healing.