Submit to Gels Review for Gels Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Chemistry and Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2023) | Viewed by 27789

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: hydrogels; chitosan; polysaccharides; polymeric biomaterials; composite biomaterials; scaffolds for tissue engineering

Dr. Kinga Pielichowska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: polymers; (nano)composites; polysaccharides; biomaterials; materials characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nature is a great reservoir of ideas for scientists worldwide, and at the same time is the direct source of a variety of materials with diverse properties, including one of the most popular biopolymers, chitin and chitosan. It is amazing how from the shells of marine crustaceans, and from the exoskeletons of invertebrates, we can derive products that will be later used in a variety of applications ranging from scaffolds for tissue engineering to drug delivery devices, wound patches, wastewater management technology, food packaging, and agricultural materials. We start with chitin, then we have its N-deacetylated derivative chitosan, and from there a variety of subsequent modifications are possible. This results in a great library of chitin- and chitosan-based biopolymers and their composites that can be used to formulate hydrogels characterized by a set of useful properties. Scientific creativity has no limits, and we all pursue our work to find superior solutions for challenges faced in modern medicine, the environment, and the food & cosmetic industry.

We invite you to share your latest research on chitin- and chitosan-based hydrogels and subject-relevant reviews by submitting your manuscript to this Special Issue. Together we can show how the field is advancing and stimulate further discussion and exchange of ideas.

Dr. Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik
Dr. Kinga Pielichowska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

chitin
chitosan
chitin/chitosan derivatives
hydrogels
(nano)composites
tissue engineering
drug delivery
chitosan applications

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 12035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan and Sodium Hyaluronate Hydrogels Supplemented with Bioglass for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Lidia Ciołek, Ewa Zaczyńska, Małgorzata Krok-Borkowicz, Monika Biernat and Elżbieta Pamuła

Gels 2024, 10(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020128 - 05 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1426

Abstract

The aim of the study was to produce biocomposites based on chitosan and sodium hyaluronate hydrogels supplemented with bioglasses obtained under different conditions (temperature, time) and to perform an in vitro evaluation of their cytocompatibility using both indirect and direct methods. Furthermore, the release of ions from the composites and the microstructure of the biocomposites before and after incubation in simulated body fluid were assessed. Tests on extracts from bioglasses and hydrogel biocomposites were performed on A549 epithelial cells, while MG63 osteoblast-like cells were tested in direct contact with the developed biomaterials. The immune response induced by the biomaterials was also evaluated. The experiments were carried out on both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin-stimulated human peripheral blood cells in the presence of extracts of the biocomposites and their components. Extracts of the materials produced do not exhibit toxic effects on A549 cells, and do not increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) by blood cells in vitro. In direct contact with MG63 osteoblast-like cells, biocomposites containing the reference bioglass and those containing SrO are more cytocompatible than biocomposites with ZnO-doped bioglass. Using two testing approaches, the effects both of the potentially toxic agents released and of the surface of the tested materials on the cell condition were assessed. The results pave the way for the development of highly porous hydrogel–bioglass composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Photocrosslinkable Chitosan Inks

by Ane García-García, Leyre Pérez-Álvarez, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, Asier Larrea-Sebal, Cesar Martin and José Luis Vilas-Vilela

Gels 2024, 10(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020126 - 04 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1198

Abstract

Photocuring of chitosan has shown great promise in the extrusion-based 3D printing of scaffolds for advanced biomedical and tissue engineering applications. However, the poor mechanical stability of methacrylated chitosan photocuring ink restricts its applicability. The inclusion of co-networks by means of simultaneous polycomplex formation is an effective method by which to solve this drawback, but the formed hydrogel inks are not printable. This work aims to develop new photocurable chitosan inks based on the simultaneous photocrosslinking of methacrylated chitosan (CHIMe) with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and acrylic acid to be applied in extrusion 3D printing. Interestingly, the polycomplex co-network corresponding to the acrylic-acid-based ink could be successfully printed by the here-presented simultaneous photocuring strategy. Further, the conversion of photocrosslinking was studied via photo-DSC analyses that revealed a clear dependence on the chemical structure of the employed crosslinking agents (from 40 to ~100%). In addition, the mechanical and rheological properties of the photocured hydrogels were comparatively studied, as well as the printing quality of the extruded scaffolds. The newly developed chitosan photocurable inks demonstrated extrusion printability (squareness ~0.90; uniformity factor ~0.95) and tunable mechanical properties (Young modulus 14–1068 Pa) by means of different crosslinking approaches according to the chemical architecture of the reactive molecules employed. This work shows the great potential of photocrosslinkable chitosan inks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Water for Water: PEDOT:PSS-Chitosan Beads for Sustainable Dyes Adsorption

by Irene Vassalini, Marina Maddaloni, Mattia Depedro, Alice De Villi, Matteo Ferroni and Ivano Alessandri

Gels 2024, 10(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10010037 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

This study investigates the viability of developing chitosan-based hydrogels derived from waste shrimp shells for the removal of methylene blue and methyl orange, thereby transforming food waste into advanced materials for environmental remediation. Despite chitosan-based adsorbents being conventionally considered ideal for the removal of negative pollutants, through targeted functionalization with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) at varying concentrations, we successfully enhance the hydrogels’ efficacy in also adsorbing positively charged adsorbates. Specifically, the incorporation of PEDOT:PSS at a concentration of 10% v/v emerges as a critical factor in facilitating the robust adsorption of dyes. In the case of the anionic dye methyl orange (MO, 10⁻⁵ M), the percentage of removed dye passed from 47% (for beads made of only chitosan) to 66% (for beads made of chitosan-PEDOT:PSS 10%), while, in the case of the cationic dye methylene blue (MB, 10⁻⁵ M), the percentage of removed dye passed from 52 to 100%. At the basis of this enhancement, there is an adsorption mechanism resulting from the interplay between electrostatic forces and π–π interactions. Furthermore, the synthesized functionalized hydrogels exhibit remarkable stability and reusability (at least five consecutive cycles) in the case of MB, paving the way for the development of cost-effective and sustainable adsorbents. This study highlights the potential of repurposing waste materials for environmental benefits, introducing an innovative approach to address the challenges regarding water pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization of Lipases on Chitosan Hydrogels Improves Their Stability in the Presence of the Products of Triglyceride Oxidation

by Domenico Pirozzi, Alessandro Latte and Filomena Sannino

Gels 2023, 9(10), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100776 - 24 Sep 2023

Viewed by 765

Abstract

A significant bottleneck for the industrial application of lipases stems from their poor stability in the presence of commercial triglycerides. This is mainly due to the inactivating effect of the products of triglyceride oxidation (PTO), which are usually produced when oils and fats, being imported from far countries, are stored for long periods. In this study, the immobilization of a lipase from Candida rugosa on chitosan hydrogels has been carried out following two alternative approaches based on the enzyme adsorption and entrapment to increase the lipase stability under the operating conditions that are typical of oleochemical transformations. The effect of model compounds representing different classes of PTO on a lipase has been studied to optimize the enzyme immobilization method. Particular attention has been devoted to the characterization of the inactivating effect of PTO in nonaqueous media, which are adopted for most industrial applications of lipases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double Cross-Linked Chitosan/Bacterial Cellulose Dressing with Self-Healable Ability

by Lili Deng, Kangkang Ou, Jiaxin Shen, Baoxiu Wang, Shiyan Chen, Huaping Wang and Song Gu

Gels 2023, 9(10), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100772 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1033

Abstract

Self-healing hydrogel products have attracted a great deal of interest in wound healing due to their ability to repair their own structural damage. Herein, an all-natural self-healing hydrogel based on methacrylated chitosan (CSMA) and dialdehyde bacterial cellulose (DABC) is developed. MA is used to modify CS and obtain water-soluble biomaterial-based CSMA with photo crosslinking effects. BC is modified through a simple oxidation method to gain dialdehyde on the polymer chain. The success of the modification is confirmed via FTIR. Hydrogels are formed within 11 min through the establishment of a Schiff base between the amino of CSMA and the aldehyde of DABC. A dynamically reversible Schiff base bond endows hydrogel with good self-healing properties through macroscopic and microscopic observations. We observe the uniform and porous structure in the hydrogel using SEM images, and DABC nanofibers are found to be well distributed in the hydrogel. The compressive strength of the hydrogel is more than 20 kPa and the swelling rate sees over a 10-fold increase. In addition, the CSMA/DABC hydrogel has good cytocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 90%. These results indicate that the all-natural self-healable CSMA/DABC hydrogel demonstrates strong application potential in wound healing and tissue repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 12618 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Temporary Anti-Corrosive Double Layer on Zinc Substrate Based on Chitosan Hydrogel and Epoxy Resin

by Tamara-Rita Ovari, Árpád Ferenc Szőke, Gabriel Katona, Gabriella Stefánia Szabó and Liana Maria Muresan

Gels 2023, 9(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050361 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1258

Abstract

In practice, metal structures are frequently transported or stored before being used. Even in such circumstances, the corrosion process caused by environmental factors (moisture, salty air, etc.) can occur quite easily. To avoid this, metal surfaces can be protected with temporary coatings. The objective of this research was to develop coatings that exhibit effective protective characteristics while also allowing for easy removal, if required. Novel, chitosan/epoxy double layers were prepared on zinc by dip-coating to obtain temporary tailor-made and peelable-on-demand, anti-corrosive coatings. Chitosan hydrogel fulfills the role of a primer that acts as an intermediary between the zinc substrate and the epoxy film to obtain better adhesion and specialization. The resulting coatings were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The impedance of the bare zinc was increased by three orders of magnitude when the protective coatings were applied, proving efficient anti-corrosive protection. The chitosan sublayer improved the adhesion of the protective epoxy coating. The structural integrity and absolute impedance of the protective layers were conserved in both basic and neutral environments. However, after fulfilling its lifespan, the chitosan/epoxy double-layered coating could be removed after treatment with a mild acid without damaging the substrate. This was because of the hydrophilic properties of the epoxy layer, as well as the tendency of chitosan to swell in acidic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 7229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Tofacitinib Loaded pH-Responsive Chitosan/Mucin Based Hydrogel Microparticles: In-Vitro Characterization and Toxicological Screening

by Rania T. Malatani, Sana Bilal, Asif Mahmood, Rai Muhammad Sarfraz, Nadiah Zafar, Hira Ijaz, Umaira Rehman, Shehla Akbar, Hala M. Alkhalidi and Heba A. Gad

Gels 2023, 9(3), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030187 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

Tofacitinib is an antirheumatic drug characterized by a short half-life and poor permeability, which necessitates the development of sustained release formulation with enhanced permeability potential. To achieve this goal, the free radical polymerization technique was employed to develop mucin/chitosan copolymer methacrylic acid (MU-CHI-Co-Poly (MAA))-based hydrogel microparticles. The developed hydrogel microparticles were characterized for EDX, FTIR, DSC, TGA, X-ray diffraction, SEM, drug loading; equilibrium swelling (%), in vitro drug release, sol–gel (%) studies, size and zeta potential, permeation, anti-arthritic activities, and acute oral toxicity studies. FTIR studies revealed the incorporation of the ingredients into the polymeric network, while EDX studies depicted the successful loading of tofacitinib into the network. The thermal analysis confirmed the heat stability of the system. SEM analysis displayed the porous structure of the hydrogels. Gel fraction showed an increasing tendency (74–98%) upon increasing the concentrations of the formulation ingredients. Formulations coated with Eudragit (2% w/w) and sodium lauryl sulfate (1% w/v) showed increased permeability. The formulations equilibrium swelling (%) increased (78–93%) at pH 7.4. Maximum drug loading and release (%) of (55.62–80.52%) and (78.02–90.56%), respectively, were noticed at pH 7.4, where the developed microparticles followed zero-order kinetics with case II transport. Anti-inflammatory studies revealed a significant dose-dependent decrease in paw edema in the rats. Oral toxicity studies confirmed the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of the formulated network. Thus, the developed pH-responsive hydrogel microparticles seem to have the potential to enhance permeability and control the delivery of tofacitinib for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach, Based on the Combined Action of Chitosan Hydrogel and Laccases, for the Removal of Dyes from Textile Industry Wastewaters

by Filomena Sannino, Elena Di Matteo, Mariarosaria Ambrosecchio and Domenico Pirozzi

Gels 2023, 9(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010041 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Dyes are considered as one the most important classes of contaminants that threaten the environment and human life. The synergy between the adsorption capacity of chitosan hydrogels and the catalytic properties of the enzyme laccase was exploited to improve the removal of contaminants from a liquid stream. The adsorption capacity of a chitosan hydrogel was tested on three different textile dyes. The effect of pH on the adsorption efficiency was dependent on the dye tested: the removal of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye, was more effective at alkaline values of pH, whereas bromophenol blue (BPB) and Coomassie brilliant blue (BB), both anionic dyes, were more effectively removed under acid environments. The use of laccase immobilized onto chitosan has significantly improved the efficiency of dye removal, exploiting the synergy between the adsorption capacity of chitosan and the catalytic properties of the enzyme. The simultaneous processes of adsorption and enzymatic degradation improved the dye removal whatever the pH value adopted, making the removal efficiency less dependent from the pH changes. The chitosan used as a support for the immobilization of laccases showed good stability under repeated cycles, demonstrating the feasibility of the method developed for the application in wastewater remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Gallic Acid-Loaded Chitosan-Grafted-2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid Hydrogels for Oral Controlled Drug Delivery: In Vitro Biodegradation, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Effects

by Chengqun Yu, Xuanbin Chen, Weifeng Zhu, Lijun Li, Mingyan Peng, Yulian Zhong, Abid Naeem, Zhenzhong Zang and Yongmei Guan

Gels 2022, 8(12), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8120806 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

In this study, chitosan (CS) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS)-based hydrogels were formulated by the free radical polymerization technique for the controlled release of gallic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful preparation and loading of gallic acid within the hydrogel network. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the increased thermal stability of the hydrogels following the crosslinking and polymerization of chitosan and AMPS. In X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), the crystallinity of the raw materials decreased, indicating strong crosslinking of the reagents and the formation of a new polymeric network of hydrogels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the hydrogel had a rough, dense, and porous surface, which is consistent with the highly polymerized composition of the hydrogel. After 48 h, the hydrogels exhibited higher swelling at pH 1.2 (swelling ratio of 19.93%) than at pH 7.4 (swelling ratio of 15.65%). The drug release was analyzed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and demonstrated that after 48 h, gallic acid release was maximum at pH 1.2 (85.27%) compared to pH 7.4 (75.19%). The percent porosity (78.36%) and drug loading increased with the increasing concentration of chitosan and AMPS, while a decrease was observed with the increasing concentration of ethylene glycol dimethyl methacrylate (EGDMA). Crosslinking of the hydrogels increased with concentrations of chitosan and EGDMA but decreased with AMPS. In vitro studies demonstrated that the developed hydrogels were biodegradable (8.6% degradation/week) and had antimicrobial (zone of inhibition of 21 and 16 mm against Gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as 13 mm against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively) and antioxidant (73% DPPH and 70% ABTS) properties. Therefore, the prepared hydrogels could be used as an effective controlled drug delivery system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Evaluation of Graphene Oxide/Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Chitosan Hybrid Aerogel for 5-Fluorouracil Release

by Yanan Sang, Pengpai Miao, Tao Chen, Yuan Zhao, Linfeng Chen, Yayang Tian, Xiaobing Han and Jie Gao

Gels 2022, 8(10), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100649 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

The incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into a polymeric drug carrier can not only enhance the loading efficiency but also reduce the initial burst and consequently improve the controllability of drug release. Firstly, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-loaded hydroxypropyl cellulose/chitosan (HPC/CS@5-Fu) and GO/HPC/CS@5-Fu aerogels were successfully fabricated through chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Then, the obtained aerogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FITR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and the effect of HPC and GO content on the drug loading (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) for the two aerogels were investigated, respectively. Finally, the drug release behavior of the GO/HPC/CS@5-Fu aerogels with different GO content was evaluated at two different pH values, and four kinds of kinetic models were used to evaluate the release behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chitosan and Pectin Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and In Vitro Modeling

by Giulia Morello, Gianvito De Iaco, Giuseppe Gigli, Alessandro Polini and Francesca Gervaso

Gels 2023, 9(2), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020132 - 04 Feb 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3319

Abstract

Hydrogels are fascinating biomaterials that can act as a support for cells, i.e., a scaffold, in which they can organize themselves spatially in a similar way to what occurs in vivo. Hydrogel use is therefore essential for the development of 3D systems and allows to recreate the cellular microenvironment in physiological and pathological conditions. This makes them ideal candidates for biological tissue analogues for application in the field of both tissue engineering and 3D in vitro models, as they have the ability to closely mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a specific organ or tissue. Polysaccharide-based hydrogels, because of their remarkable biocompatibility related to their polymeric constituents, have the ability to interact beneficially with the cellular components. Although the growing interest in the use of polysaccharide-based hydrogels in the biomedical field is evidenced by a conspicuous number of reviews on the topic, none of them have focused on the combined use of two important polysaccharides, chitosan and pectin. Therefore, the present review will discuss the biomedical applications of polysaccharide-based hydrogels containing the two aforementioned natural polymers, chitosan and pectin, in the fields of tissue engineering and 3D in vitro modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 9237 KiB

Open AccessReview

Update on Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Preparation, Characterization, and Its Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications

by Kokila Thirupathi, Chaitany Jayaprakash Raorane, Vanaraj Ramkumar, Selvakumari Ulagesan, Madhappan Santhamoorthy, Vinit Raj, Gopal Shankar Krishnakumar, Thi Tuong Vy Phan and Seong-Cheol Kim

Gels 2023, 9(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010035 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8294

Abstract

Chitosan is a prominent biopolymer in research for of its physicochemical properties and uses. Each year, the number of publications based on chitosan and its derivatives increases. Because of its comprehensive biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration activities, chitosan and its derivatives can be used to prevent and treat soft tissue diseases. Furthermore, chitosan can be employed as a nanocarrier for therapeutic drug delivery. In this review, we will first discuss chitosan and chitosan-based hydrogel polymers. The structure, functionality, and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogels are addressed. Second, a variety of characterization approaches were used to analyze and validate the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogel materials. Finally, we discuss the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal uses of supramolecular chitosan-based hydrogels. This review study can be used as a base for future research into the production of various types of chitosan-based hydrogels in the antibacterial and antifungal fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels)

► Show Figures