Chitosan-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications

Hydrogels, known as “aqua gels” kind of network composed of hydrophilic materials to make a three-dimensional (3D) structure, have a water retention capacity of up to 99% containing unique porous structures, swelling, and mechanical properties. To improve their spectrum and degree of functionality, hydrogels are incorporated with nanocomposites in the 3D matrix to construct unique qualities of nanocomposite hydrogels, which enhances the biological, chemical, and electrical attributes and applications of both hydrogels and nanocomposites. The nanocomposite hydrogels showed faster response and capabilities to work on the targeted region. Among the various nanocomposites, chitosan-based nanocomposite showed numerous medical and pharmaceutical applications. Chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a linear, positively charged amino-polysaccharide that has antimicrobial, antifungal, mucoadhesive, analgesic, and various unique properties due to its biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic nature. Recently chitosan nanocomposite hydrogels are applied in diversified sectors, such as tissue engineering and regenerating, drug delivery, chemotherapy, biosensors, and wound healing. In this review, the biomedical applications of chitosan nanocomposite-based hydrogels are summarized and highlighted.