# Recent Applications of Chitosan-Based Biomaterials as Wound Dressings

## TL;DR

Chitosan-based biomaterials are being improved for wound healing through advanced fabrication techniques and hybrid materials.

## Contribution

The paper reviews recent strategies to enhance chitosan's properties for wound dressings using multifunctional hybrid materials and advanced fabrication methods.

## Key findings

- Chitosan's limitations in solubility and mechanical properties are being addressed through chemical derivatization and polymer hybridization.
- Advanced fabrication techniques like electrospinning and 3D printing are used to create multifunctional chitosan-based wound dressings.
- Functionalization with active ingredients enhances the therapeutic efficacy of chitosan hybrid dressings.

## Abstract

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer for advanced wound healing due to its antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and hemostatic properties. However, its clinical utility is limited by its low solubility and poor mechanical properties. This review summarizes recent strategies that have successfully overcome these shortcomings, focusing on the development of multifunctional chitosan hybrid dressings. These dressings, which include hydrogels, hydrocolloids, films, sponges, and scaffolds, are now being fabricated using advanced systems like electrospinning, 3D printing, microneedle (MN), and nanocomposites technologies to maximize wound healing efficacy. Specifically, modification techniques used to overcome chitosan’s shortcomings include: (1) chemical derivatization to enhance solubility, (2) polymer hybridization with natural and synthetic materials to enhance mechanical properties, and (3) functionalization with active ingredients. These materials, including metal/inorganic nanoparticles, natural compounds, and amino acids, are added to maximize therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, chitosan hybrid materials and dressings provide an excellent foundation for next-generation wound dressings. However, overcoming challenges associated with material diversity and establishing standardized manufacturing processes and clinical trials remain critical for successful commercialization.