Research

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16 pages, 2545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an All-Marine 3D Printed Bioactive Hydrogel Dressing for Treatment of Hard-to-Heal Wounds

by Patrik Stenlund, Linnea Enstedt, Karin Margaretha Gilljam, Simon Standoft, Astrid Ahlinder, Maria Lundin Johnson, Henrik Lund, Anna Millqvist Fureby and Mattias Berglin

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122627 - 09 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1405

Abstract

Current standard wound care involves dressings that provide moisture and protection; however, dressings providing active healing are still scarce and expensive. We aimed to develop an ecologically sustainable 3D printed bioactive hydrogel-based topical wound dressing targeting healing of hard-to-heal wounds, such as chronic [...] Read more.

Current standard wound care involves dressings that provide moisture and protection; however, dressings providing active healing are still scarce and expensive. We aimed to develop an ecologically sustainable 3D printed bioactive hydrogel-based topical wound dressing targeting healing of hard-to-heal wounds, such as chronic or burn wounds, which are low on exudate. To this end, we developed a formulation composed of renewable marine components; purified extract from unfertilized salmon roe (heat-treated X, HTX), alginate from brown seaweed, and nanocellulose from tunicates. HTX is believed to facilitate the wound healing process. The components were successfully formulated into a 3D printable ink that was used to create a hydrogel lattice structure. The 3D printed hydrogel showed a HTX release profile enhancing pro-collagen I alpha 1 production in cell culture with potential of promoting wound closure rates. The dressing has recently been tested on burn wounds in Göttingen minipigs and shows accelerated wound closure and reduced inflammation. This paper describes the dressings development, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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19 pages, 3166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Calcium Carbonate Coating of 3D-Printed PLA Scaffolds Intended for Biomedical Applications

by Ricardo Donate, Rubén Paz, Álvaro Quintana, Pablo Bordón and Mario Monzón

Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112506 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

The incorporation of ceramic additives is the most commonly used strategy to improve the biofunctionality of polymer-based scaffolds intended for bone regeneration. By embedding ceramic particles as a coating, the functionality improvement in the polymeric scaffolds can be concentrated on the cell–surface interface, [...] Read more.

The incorporation of ceramic additives is the most commonly used strategy to improve the biofunctionality of polymer-based scaffolds intended for bone regeneration. By embedding ceramic particles as a coating, the functionality improvement in the polymeric scaffolds can be concentrated on the cell–surface interface, thus creating a more favourable environment for the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblastic cells. In this work, a pressure-assisted and heat-induced method to coat polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) particles is presented for the first time. The coated scaffolds were evaluated by optical microscopy observations, a scanning electron microscopy analysis, water contact angle measurements, compression testing, and an enzymatic degradation study. The ceramic particles were evenly distributed, covered more than 60% of the surface, and represented around 7% of the coated scaffold weight. A strong bonding interface was achieved, and the thin layer of CaCO₃ (~20 µm) provided a significant increase in the mechanical properties (with a compression modulus improvement up to 14%) while also enhancing the surface roughness and hydrophilicity. The results of the degradation study confirmed that the coated scaffolds were able to maintain the pH of the media during the test (~7.6 ± 0.1), in contrast to the pure PLA scaffolds, for which a value of 5.07 ± 0.1 was obtained. The ceramic-coated scaffolds developed showed potential for further evaluations in bone tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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21 pages, 5435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intraarticular Implantation of Autologous Chondrocytes Placed on Collagen or Polyethersulfone Scaffolds: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

by Maciej Płończak, Monika Wasyłeczko, Tomasz Jakutowicz, Andrzej Chwojnowski and Jarosław Czubak

Polymers 2023, 15(10), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102360 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1343

Abstract

Hyaline cartilage has very limited repair capability and cannot be rebuilt predictably using conventional treatments. This study presents Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) on two different scaffolds for the treatment of lesions in hyaline cartilage in rabbits. The first one is a commercially available [...] Read more.

Hyaline cartilage has very limited repair capability and cannot be rebuilt predictably using conventional treatments. This study presents Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) on two different scaffolds for the treatment of lesions in hyaline cartilage in rabbits. The first one is a commercially available scaffold (Chondro–Gide) made of collagen type I/III and the second one is a polyethersulfone (PES) synthetic membrane, manufactured by phase inversion. The revolutionary idea in the present study is the fact that we used PES membranes, which have unique features and benefits that are desirable for the 3D cultivation of chondrocytes. Sixty-four White New Zealand rabbits were used in this research. Defects penetrating into the subchondral bone were filled with or without the placement of chondrocytes on collagen or PES membranes after two weeks of culture. The expression of the gene encoding type II procollagen, a molecular marker of chondrocytes, was evaluated. Elemental analysis was performed to estimate the weight of tissue grown on the PES membrane. The reparative tissue was analyzed macroscopically and histologically after surgery at 12, 25, and 52 weeks. RT-PCR analysis of the mRNA isolated from cells detached from the polysulphonic membrane revealed the expression of type II procollagen. The elementary analysis of polysulphonic membrane slices after 2 weeks of culture with chondrocytes revealed a concentration of 0.23 mg of tissue on one part of the membrane. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation indicated that the quality of regenerated tissue was similar after the transplantation of cells placed on polysulphonic or collagen membranes. The established method for the culture and transplantation of chondrocytes placed on polysulphonic membranes resulted in the growth of the regenerated tissue, revealing the morphology of hyaline-like cartilage to be of similar quality to collagen membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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23 pages, 5531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) (80:20) Scaffold for Improved Treatment of Chondral (Cartilage) Injuries

by Arely M. González-González, Raymundo Cruz, Raúl Rosales-Ibáñez, Fernando Hernández-Sánchez, Hugo J. Carrillo-Escalante, Jesús Jiovanni Rodríguez-Martínez, Cristina Velasquillo, Daniel Talamás-Lara and Juan E. Ludert

Polymers 2023, 15(10), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102324 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Articular cartilage is a specialized tissue that provides a smooth surface for joint movement and load transmission. Unfortunately, it has limited regenerative capacity. Tissue engineering, combining different cell types, scaffolds, growth factors, and physical stimulation has become an alternative for repairing and regenerating [...] Read more.

Articular cartilage is a specialized tissue that provides a smooth surface for joint movement and load transmission. Unfortunately, it has limited regenerative capacity. Tissue engineering, combining different cell types, scaffolds, growth factors, and physical stimulation has become an alternative for repairing and regenerating articular cartilage. Dental Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells (DFMSCs) are attractive candidates for cartilage tissue engineering because of their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes, on the other hand, the polymers blend like Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) have shown promise given their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In this work, the physicochemical properties of polymer blends were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and were positive for both techniques. The DFMSCs demonstrated stemness by flow cytometry. The scaffold showed to be a non-toxic effect when we evaluated it with Alamar blue, and the samples were analyzed using SEM and phalloidin staining to evaluate cell adhesion to the scaffold. The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans was positive on the construct in vitro. Finally, the PCL/PLGA scaffold showed a better repair capacity than two commercial compounds, when tested in a chondral defect rat model. These results suggest that the PCL/PLGA (80:20) scaffold may be suitable for applications in the tissue engineering of articular hyaline cartilage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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13 pages, 4730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polydioxanone Membrane Compared with Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration

by Lilian Caldas Quirino, Pedro Henrique de Azambuja Carvalho, Renato Torres Augusto Neto, Cássio Amaro Comachio, Naara Gabriela Monteiro, Ana Cláudia Ervolino-Silva, Roberta Okamoto and Valfrido Antonio Pereira-Filho

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040868 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1784

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is an approach that induces osteopromotion through the regenerative membranes. These barriers exhibit bioactive behavior and mechanical function. Polydioxanone is a synthetic option, already used in medicine and dentistry, with good results in bone regeneration. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is an approach that induces osteopromotion through the regenerative membranes. These barriers exhibit bioactive behavior and mechanical function. Polydioxanone is a synthetic option, already used in medicine and dentistry, with good results in bone regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate bone repair in critical defects in rat calvaria using a polydioxanone membrane (Plenum^® Guide) compared with a commercially available collagen-based membrane (Bio-Gide^®). The bone defects were filled with Plenum^® Osshp, a synthetic bone graft, hydroxyapatite:β-tricalcium phosphate, 70:30%, Group PG (Plenum^® Guide + Plenum^® Osshp), and Group BG (Geistlich Bio-Gide^® + Plenum^® Osshp). The specimens were submitted to immunohistochemical (RUNX2 and OPN), gene expression (RUNX2, IBSP, and VEGF), histometric, and microtomography analyses after 07, 15, 30, and 60 days postoperative. PG group showed greater immunolabeling area for RUNX2 and OPN, higher gene expression of VEGF (3.15 ± 0.85), and IBSP (24.9 ± 0.59). However, there was no statistical difference between groups in the histometric analysis regarding the percentage of connective tissue PG (0.83 ± 0.45), BG (0.70 ± 0.34), neoformed bone PG (0.60 ± 0.4), BG (0.65 ± 0.51), and remaining biomaterial PG (0.84 ± 0.31), BG (0.91 ± 0.33). In addition, there was no statistical difference between groups by micro-CT analysis. The absorbable-synthetic membrane, Plenum^® Guide, is an effective membrane for guided bone regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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18 pages, 7203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Polydioxanone-Based Membrane in Association with 3D-Printed Bioceramic Scaffolds in Bone Regeneration

by Letícia Pitol-Palin, Paula Buzo Frigério, Juliana Moura, Livia Pilatti, Letícia Marques Jordão de Oliveira, Elaine Yoshiko Matsubara, Samy Tunchel, Jamil Awad Shibli, Alberto Blay, Sybele Saska and Roberta Okamoto

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010031 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

This study evaluated the bioactivity of 3D-printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds or hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds associated with polydioxanone (PDO) membrane (Plenum^® Guide) for guided bone regeneration in rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into three groups (n = 18 animals): autogenous bone + [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the bioactivity of 3D-printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds or hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds associated with polydioxanone (PDO) membrane (Plenum^® Guide) for guided bone regeneration in rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into three groups (n = 18 animals): autogenous bone + PDO membrane (Auto/PG); 3D-printed β-TCP + PDO membrane (TCP/PG); and 3D-printed HA + PDO membrane (HA/PG). A surgical defect in the parietal bone was made and filled with the respective scaffolds and PDO membrane. The animals were euthanized 7, 30, and 60 days after the surgical procedure for micro-CT, histomorphometric, and immunolabeling analyses. Micro-CT showed an increase in trabecular thickness and a decrease in trabecular separation, even with similar bone volume percentages between TCP/PG and HA/PG vs. Auto/PG. Histometric analysis showed increased bone formation at 30 days in the groups compared to 7 days postoperatively. Immunolabeling analysis showed an increase in proteins related to bone formation at 30 days, and both groups showed a similar immunolabeling pattern. This study concludes that 3D-printed scaffolds associated with PDO membrane (Plenum^® Guide) present similar results to autogenous bone for bone regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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19 pages, 7531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of PLA/PHB Biopolymer Material with Admixture of Hydroxyapatite and Tricalcium Phosphate for Clinical Use

by Miroslav Kohan, Samuel Lancoš, Marek Schnitzer, Jozef Živčák and Radovan Hudák

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5357; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245357 - 07 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

One trend in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is the development of degradable composite polymers. The aim of this study was the comprehensive analysis of Polylactic acid (PLA)/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) + Hydroxyapatite (HA)/Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) material from filament production to mechanical testing of samples [...] Read more.

One trend in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is the development of degradable composite polymers. The aim of this study was the comprehensive analysis of Polylactic acid (PLA)/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) + Hydroxyapatite (HA)/Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) material from filament production to mechanical testing of samples with different infills and the production of an implant replacement for an intervertebral disc. Filament Maker—Composer 450 (3devo; Netherlands) was used to produce filaments. Experimental samples and the implant for the intervertebral disc were made using FDM technology using a DeltiQ2 3D printer (Trilab, Czech Republic). Mechanical testing of experimental samples was performed on an Inspekt TABLE 5 kN (Hegewald & Peschke, Nossen, Germany). Microscopic analysis, cytotoxicity test, and filament diameter analysis using descriptive statistics were also part of the focus. The results of the analysis of the diameter of the filament show that the filament meets the prescribed standard. The cytotoxicity test for PLA/PHB + HA/TCP material showed no toxicity. Microscopic analysis showed an even distribution of the ceramic component in the composite polymer. Mechanical testing showed a reduction in mechanical properties with 75% and 50% of the filling of experimental samples. All experimental samples subjected to mechanical testing showed higher tensile and compressive strength values compared to the values of the mechanical properties of vertebral trabecular bones, as reported in the literature. It can therefore be concluded that the material under investigation, PLA/PHB + HA/TCP appears to be a suitable candidate for hard tissue replacement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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18 pages, 6234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Filtration Performance of PVDF/PUL Composite Air Filtration Membrane Based on Far-Field Electrospinning

by Han Wang, Yiliang Bao, Xiuding Yang, Xingzi Lan, Jian Guo, Yiliang Pan, Weimin Huang, Linjun Tang, Zhifeng Luo, Bei Zhou, Jingsong Yao and Xun Chen

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163294 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

At present, the situation of air pollution is still serious, and research on air filtration is still crucial. For the nanofiber air filtration membrane, the diameter, porosity, tensile strength, and hydrophilicity of the nanofiber will affect the filtration performance and stability. In this [...] Read more.

At present, the situation of air pollution is still serious, and research on air filtration is still crucial. For the nanofiber air filtration membrane, the diameter, porosity, tensile strength, and hydrophilicity of the nanofiber will affect the filtration performance and stability. In this paper, based on the far-field electrospinning process and the performance effect mechanism of the stacked structure fiber membrane, nanofiber membrane was prepared by selecting the environmental protection, degradable and pollution-free natural polysaccharide biopolymer pullulan, and polyvinylidene fluoride polymer with strong hydrophobicity and high impact strength. By combining two kinds of fiber membranes with different fiber diameter and porosity, a three-layer composite nanofiber membrane with better hydrophobicity, higher tensile strength, smaller fiber diameter, and better filtration performance was prepared. Performance characterization showed that this three-layer composite nanofiber membrane had excellent air permeability and filtration efficiency, and the filtration efficiency of particles above PM 2.5 reached 99.9%. This study also provides important reference values for the preparation of high-efficiency composite nanofiber filtration membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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14 pages, 2959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Physical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of SEBS/PP (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene/Polypropylene) Blend as a Medical Fluid Bag

by Satisvar Sundera Murthe, Srimala Sreekantan and Rabiatul Basria S. M. N. Mydin

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163267 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3328

Abstract

The presence of DEHP in PVC-based medical bags poses a significant health risk to patients undergoing blood transfusion. In order to fabricate safer medical fluid bag materials, the use of SEBS/PP polymer blend as a potential material was investigated. Polymeric blends with varying [...] Read more.

The presence of DEHP in PVC-based medical bags poses a significant health risk to patients undergoing blood transfusion. In order to fabricate safer medical fluid bag materials, the use of SEBS/PP polymer blend as a potential material was investigated. Polymeric blends with varying weight percentages of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene/polypropylene (SEBS/PP) were fabricated by melt mixing using an internal Haake mixer. The physical properties of the SEBS/PP polymer blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, measurements of the mechanical strength (tensile strength and Young’s modulus) as per ASTM 638, polymer hardness was tested using a durometer and swelling was analysed through water absorption and compared with commercial PVC-based blood bags. The results indicate that the SEBS/PP 50/50 blend has approximately similar characteristics as PVC-based blood bags. The SEBS/PP polymer blend possesses approximate tensile strength and Young’s modulus with values of 23.28 MPa and 14.42 MPa, respectively, to that of the conventional PVC blood bags. The results show that the SEBS/PP polymer blends have negligible zinc and aluminium migration with values of 1.6 and 2.1 mg/kg, respectively, and do not elute any harmful leachates, while the thermal studies indicate that the studied SEBS/PP materials are capable of withstanding steam sterilisation at 120 °C and cold storage below −40 °C. The investigated material can be utilized for medical fluid bags and contributes towards sustainable development goals, such as SDG 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being, as well as SDG 12 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 12871 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Trends in the Design, Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Covalent Organic Frameworks

by Gagandeep Kaur, Dinesh Kumar, Subramanian Sundarrajan, Seeram Ramakrishna and Pawan Kumar

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010139 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2735

Abstract

The most recent and advanced class of crystalline and permeable compounds are covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Due to their exceptional qualities, such as their porous structure, high surface area, strong chemical and thermal stabilities, low density, good water stability, luminescent nature, and so [...] Read more.

The most recent and advanced class of crystalline and permeable compounds are covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Due to their exceptional qualities, such as their porous structure, high surface area, strong chemical and thermal stabilities, low density, good water stability, luminescent nature, and so on, COFs have seen remarkable growth over the past ten years. COFs have been successfully researched for a number of applications based on these characteristics. The current state of COFs has been reported in this study, with particular attention paid to their design, topology, synthesis, and a variety of biological applications, including drug delivery systems, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, biosensing, bioimaging, etc. Moreover, several miscellaneous applications, such as catalysis, gas storage and separation, photocatalysis, sensors, solar cells, supercapacitors, and 3D printers, have also been explored. It is significant that we have examined current research on COFs with a focus on the biological applications, which are infrequently covered in the literature. Descriptions of the difficulties and prospective outcomes have also been given. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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18 pages, 2302 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects on Tuning Bioactive and Antimicrobial Denture Base Resin Materials: A Narrative Review

by Yousif A. Al-Dulaijan and Abdulrahman A. Balhaddad

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010054 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Denture base resin (DBR) materials are used in dentistry in constructing removable dentures and implant-supported prostheses. A plethora of evidence has demonstrated that DBR materials are associated with a high risk of denture stomatitis, a clinical complication where the soft oral tissues underneath [...] Read more.

Denture base resin (DBR) materials are used in dentistry in constructing removable dentures and implant-supported prostheses. A plethora of evidence has demonstrated that DBR materials are associated with a high risk of denture stomatitis, a clinical complication where the soft oral tissues underneath the resin-based material are inflamed. The prevalence of denture stomatitis among denture wearers is high worldwide. Plaque accumulation and the infiltration of oral microbes into DBRs are among the main risk factors for denture stomatitis. The attachment of fungal species, mainly Candida albicans, to DBRs can irritate the underneath soft tissues, leading to the onset of the disease. As a result, several attempts were achieved to functionalize antimicrobial compounds and particles into DBRs to prevent microbial attachment. This review article explored the advanced approaches in designing bioactive and antimicrobial DBR materials. It was reported that using monomer mixtures, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and organic and inorganic particles can suppress the growth of denture stomatitis-related pathogens. This paper also highlighted the importance of characterizing bioactive DBRs to be mechanically and physically sustainable. Future directions may implement a clinical translational model to attempt these materials inside the oral cavity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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17 pages, 1511 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Chitosan and Cellulose Hydrogels for Wound Dressings

by Collins N. Elangwe, Svetlana N. Morozkina, Roman O. Olekhnovich, Alexander Krasichkov, Victoriya O. Polyakova and Mayya V. Uspenskaya

Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5163; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235163 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5104

Abstract

Wound management remains a challenging issue around the world, although a lot of wound dressing materials have been produced for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds. Wound healing is a highly dynamic and complex regulatory process that involves four principal integrated phases, [...] Read more.

Wound management remains a challenging issue around the world, although a lot of wound dressing materials have been produced for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds. Wound healing is a highly dynamic and complex regulatory process that involves four principal integrated phases, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Chronic non-healing wounds are wounds that heal significantly more slowly, fail to progress to all the phases of the normal wound healing process, and are usually stalled at the inflammatory phase. These wounds cause a lot of challenges to patients, such as severe emotional and physical stress and generate a considerable financial burden on patients and the general public healthcare system. It has been reported that about 1–2% of the global population suffers from chronic non-healing wounds during their lifetime in developed nations. Traditional wound dressings are dry, and therefore cannot provide moist environment for wound healing and do not possess antibacterial properties. Wound dressings that are currently used consist of bandages, films, foams, patches and hydrogels. Currently, hydrogels are gaining much attention as a result of their water-holding capacity, providing a moist wound-healing milieu. Chitosan is a biopolymer that has gained a lot of attention recently in the pharmaceutical industry due to its unique chemical and antibacterial nature. However, with its poor mechanical properties, chitosan is incorporated with other biopolymers, such as the cellulose of desirable biocompatibility, at the same time having the improved mechanical and physical properties of the hydrogels. This review focuses on the study of biopolymers, such as cellulose and chitosan hydrogels, for wound treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers for Medical Applications)

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