Chitosan: Applications in Dentistry

Chitosan, a versatile hydrophilic polysaccharide derived from chitin, has a broad antimicrobial spectrum to which gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria and fungi are highly susceptible. Chitosan is derived from partially deacetylated chitin and consists of copolymers of glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine. Chitosan has been using in a variety of fields such as wastewater treatment, medicine, agriculture, food, paper industry and cosmetics. Chitosan has a regenerative effect on connective tissues of gum and also accelerates the formation of osteoblasts which are responsible for bone formation. Chitosan contains reactive functional groups such as amino and hydroxyl groups. Positively charged amino groups help in the prevention of plaque formation. In the current review, preparation, biological and chemical properties, and applications of chitosan in dentistry are described.