Chitin is the most abundant natural amino polysaccharide and is estimated to be produced annually almost as much as cellulose. It has become of great interest not only as an underutilized resource, but also as a new functional material of high potential in various fields, and recent progress in chitin chemistry is quite noteworthy. The purpose of this review is to take a closer look at chitin and chitosan applications. Based on current research and existing products, some new and futuristic approaches in this fascinating area are thoroughly discussed.

A review of chitin and chitosan applications

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): experiment, theory and application

Hydrogels for tissue engineering: scaffold design variables and applications.

Hydrogels for tissue engineering.

Electrospinning: a fascinating fiber fabrication technique.

Numerous biodegradable polymers have been developed in the last two decades. In terms of application, biodegradable polymers are classified into three groups: medical, ecological, and dual application, while in terms of origin they are divided into two groups: natural and synthetic. This review article will outline classification, requirements, applications, physical properties, biodegradability, and degradation mechanisms of representative biodegradable polymers that have already been commercialized or are under investigation. Among the biodegradable polymers, recent developments of aliphatic polyesters, especially polylactides and poly(lactic acid)s, will be mainly described in the last part.

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Yoshito Ikada

Papers

Biodegradable polyesters for medical and ecological applications

Stereocomplex formation between enantiomeric poly(lactides)

In vitro and in vivo degradation of films of chitin and its deacetylated derivatives

Distribution and tissue uptake of poly(ethylene glycol) with different molecular weights after intravenous administration to mice

Mechanism of Amide Formation by Carbodiimide for Bioconjugation in Aqueous Media