Chitosan in Wound Healing: a Mini Review on Ethical Perspective on Sustainable and Biomedical Biomaterials

PurposeChitosan is a biopolymer obtained from the exoskeletons of crustaceans and the cell walls of fungi. Due to its biocompatibility and capacity for tissue regeneration, this substance exhibits considerable potential as a candidate for wound healing. The objective of this article is to provide a detailed review of the properties and medical applications of chitosan in wound healing. The investigation also encompasses ethical questions pertaining to patient safety, informed consent, healthcare access, and sustainable sourcing of chitosan.MethodThis review pertains to the characteristics and medical applications of chitosan, while concurrently exploring the ethical considerations associated with its use.ResultThe review presents a comprehensive examination of chitosan, emphasizing its biocompatibility, absorbability, polycationic properties, film-forming ability, hemostatic properties, antimicrobial effects, tissue regeneration capabilities, and angiogenic potential. The usefulness of chitosan encompasses a wide range of areas, including wound dressings, tissue scaffolds, medication delivery systems, and medical devices. The ethical considerations and challenges pertaining to patient safety, informed consent, equitable provision of healthcare, and sustainable sourcing are duly acknowledged and attended to.ConclusionChitosan demonstrates diverse medicinal capabilities, particularly in the context of wound healing. Additionally, it has the potential to yield advantages in the context of combinational medicines. Nevertheless, ethical issues take precedence. It is of utmost importance to ensure that the applications of chitosan are in accordance with ethical norms, encompassing aspects such as safety, consent, equitable access, and sustainability. This review sheds light on the scientific potential and ethical challenges associated with the use of chitosan in medical applications, hence providing guidance for the development of responsible healthcare advancements.Lay SummaryThe article investigates the potential of chitosan, a versatile substance obtained from fungus and crustaceans, in the field of medicine, with a specific focus on its application in wound healing. The distinctive attributes of chitosan, such as its biocompatibility, absorbency, and antibacterial properties, render it well-suited for various applications, including wound dressings and drug delivery systems. The essay additionally addresses significant ethical aspects, including patient safety, informed consent, and sustainable sourcing. It underscores the importance of striking a balance between innovation and the adoption of responsible and ethical medical practices.