Review of the Structure of Chitosan in the Context of Other Sugar-Based Polymers

Chitosan is a natural amino polysaccharide composed of multiple reactive functional groups. It is a cationic polymer that is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. The structure of chitosan allows diverse modifications via its hydroxyl and amino groups, which can enhance its properties and also allow complex formation with other polysaccharides. The physicochemical properties of chitosan, such as solubility, viscosity, thermal stability, etc., majorly depend on the degree of acetylation and molecular weight. The unique physicochemical properties of chitosan enable its use in a range of biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and anti-microbial applications. This chapter focuses on the structure of chitosan and its interactions with other sugar polymers, highlighting its properties that have paved its way in a variety of biomedical applications.