Improving Polysaccharide-Based Chitin/Chitosan-Aerogel Materials by Learning from Genetics and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Improved wound healing of burnt skin and skin lesions, as well as medical implants and replacement products, requires the support of synthetical matrices. Yet, producing synthetic biocompatible matrices that exhibit specialized flexibility, stability, and biodegradability is challenging. Synthetic chitin/chitosan matrices may provide the desired advantages for producing specialized grafts but must be modified to improve their properties. Synthetic chitin/chitosan hydrogel and aerogel techniques provide the advantages for improvement with a bioinspired view adapted from the natural molecular toolbox. To this end, animal genetics provide deep knowledge into which molecular key factors decisively influence the properties of natural chitin matrices. The genetically identified proteins and enzymes control chitin matrix assembly, architecture, and degradation. Combining synthetic chitin matrices with critical biological factors may point to the future direction with engineering materials of specific properties for biomedical applications such as burned skin or skin blistering and extensive lesions due to genetic diseases.

A novel wound dressing material for full-thickness skin defects composed of a crosslinked acellular swim bladder

“…To address this problem, numerous studies on suitable materials for skin repair have been conducted. Synthetic materials such as chitosan hydrogel (Yoon et al, 2017;Behr and Ganesan, 2022), crosslinked poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel membranes (Thongsuksaengcharoen et al, 2020), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel membranes have been reported to induce an appropriate response of skin reconstruction in a limited area (Chatterjee et al, 2019). However, synthetic materials are always associated with unsatisfying issues of poor biocompatibility, non-degradability, high cost, and complex fabrication methods, making it impossible to achieve mass production (Li et al, 2015).…”

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Biopolymer‐Based Aerogels as Smart Platforms for Targeted Drug Delivery

“…This is important in gene therapy to maintain therapeutic concentrations over an extended period, improving treatment efficacy. [ 156 ] Biopolymer aerogels can provide a protective environment for encapsulated genetic material, shielding it from degradation by enzymes or other environmental factors. This protection is vital for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the delivered genes.…”

Bioinspired Hydrogels as Platforms for Life-Science Applications: Challenges and Opportunities

“…Chitosan hydrogels have weak mechanical strength, limiting their application as biomimetic materials. To improve the mechanical properties, chemical crosslinking The high versatility of CH/CS based materials is due to complex supramolecular structure resulting from packaging of macromolecules into long fibers, process dictated by the genetic code [199]. CS can form biocompatible hydrogels, with temperature [35,200] and pH [93,132] sensitive responses, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities [29,165,201], and self-healing behavior [29,165].…”