Chitosan as a natural copolymer with unique properties for the development of hydrogels

Fatma Sami El-banna, Magdy Elsayed Mahfouz, Stefano Leporatti, Maged El-Kemary, Nemany A.N. Hanafy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hydrogel-based polymers are represented by those hydrophilic polymers having functional groups in their chain such as amine (NH2), hydroxyl [-OH], amide (-CONH-, -CONH2), and carboxyl [COOH]. These hydrophilic groups raise their potential to absorb fluids or aqueous solution more than their weights. This physicochemical mechanism leads to increased hydrogel expansion and occupation of larger volume, the process which shows in swelling behavior. With these unique properties, their use for biomedical application has been potentially raised owing also to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. Chitosan as a natural copolymer, presents a subject for hydrogel structures and function. This review aimed to study the structure as well as the function of chitosan and its hydrogel properties.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume9
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

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