Biomedical applications of chitosan electrospun nanofibers as a green polymer - Review

Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Mar 1:207:588-600. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.12.011. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Abstract

This review outlines new developments in the biomedical applications of environmentally friendly ('green') chitosan and chitosan-blend electrospun nanofibers. In recent years, research in functionalized nanofibers has contributed to the development of new drug delivery systems and improved scaffolds for regenerative medicine, which is currently one of the most rapidly growing fields in all of the life sciences. Chitosan is a biopolymer with non-toxic, antibacterial, biodegradable and biocompatible properties. Due to these properties, they are widely applied for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, and antibacterial coatings. Electrospinning is a novel technique for chitosan nanofiber fabrication. These nanofibers can be used in unique applications in biomedical fields due to their high surface area and porosity. The present work reviews recent reports on the biomedical applications of chitosan-based nanofibers in detail.

Keywords: Biomedical applications; Chitosan; Electrospinning; Nanofibers; Tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bandages*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Chitosan / pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Green Chemistry Technology / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Chitosan