Chitosan Composites for Tissue Engineering

Chitosan, derived from chitin, has been used for various applications, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and other biomedical applications like drug delivery. Chitosan is one of the favourable biopolymers because of its properties, such as biocompatibility, which allows its integration with biological tissue and biodegradability, enabling the body to safely absorb and metabolize it, without any toxic residues. Recent advancements in material science have opened new ways for enhancing the functionality of chitosan by combining it with various other materials to form composites. These composites include other natural and synthetic polymers, which, when incorporated, can enhance the mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of chitosan; nanoparticles, which can improve the delivery of therapeutic agents, and other bioactive compounds. This chapter mainly focuses on the combinatorial effect when chitosan is combined with other materials like polymers, metals, polymeric nanoparticles, and ceramics to form chitosan composites. It also discusses various fabrication techniques like injectable and in situ gel systems, electrospinning, 3D printing, and solvent casting that facilitate chitosan composite synthesis. Furthermore, the chapter will also discuss specific tissue engineering applications, such as bone regeneration, cartilage repair, and skin tissue engineering, highlighting how these composites can be helpful in the field of regenerative medicine.