ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a brief review of the structures and chemistry, and highlights the applications of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives in medical uses. Chitosan’s availability in a variety of useful forms and its unique chemical and biological properties make it a very attractive biomaterial. The use of chitin and chitosan for medical and pharmaceutical purposes has a long historical background and has increased considerably. Solubility is a very important criterion for the different uses of chitin and chitosan in pharmacy. Chitin is a semicrystalline polymer. High-quality chitin and chitosan, after complete removal of toxic and contaminating bioburden materials such as protein, heavy metals, and pyrogens, are biocompatible and safe for use. Many tests have revealed their safety, including those for mutagencity; acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity; pyrogens; hemolysis; and sensitization. Chitosan, besides having a cholesterol-lowering effect, has many useful physical properties in the delivery of drugs.
