Chitosan is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, medicine and cosmetology. Its properties are used both in treating wounds and stopping bleeding, as well as in weight loss supplements. What is chitosan and how is it different from other compounds?
What is Chitosan?
Chitosan is a linear polyaminosaccharide obtained by partial deacetylation of chitin. It consists of a deacetylated portion (β-(1,4)-d-glucosamine) and an acetylated portion (N-acetyl-d-glucosamine). Chitosan used in medicine is usually derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of marine organisms such as shrimp, lobsters and crabs. Chitosan is also derived from the chitin found in the cuticle of bees (the outer shell of their body).
Bees have a chitinous exoskeleton that is composed of complex carbohydrates and proteins. This chitin material is processed in a complex way to produce chitosan. The basic steps include:
Chitin collection: Chitin is extracted from the cuticle of bees or from their larvae.
Deacetylation: Chitin is treated with an alkali (such as sodium hydroxide) to remove acetyl groups, which converts it into chitosan. (Sodium hydroxide is of natural origin. This alkali is able to regulate pH levels and has exfoliating properties, so it is actively used in cosmetology.)
The main advantages of chitosan from bees include its biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a promising material for medical applications, especially in the treatment of wounds and ulcers.
It is important to know that chitosan is not only natural, but also biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic, while being relatively easy to process, with the possibility of creating various chemically and enzymatically modifiable forms. It can be used both in medicine as a biomaterial in the form of sutures, artificial skin, and wound care dressings. It also exhibits the property of binding to cholesterol, fats, proteins and metal ions. It can also be administered orally.
Plant chitosan
Plant chitosan is a substance derived from chitin, a structural element of the cell walls of fungi (mushrooms, Aspergillus niger). It is non-toxic, low-allergenic and biodegradable.
Plant chitosan can be used by vegans and vegetarians, as well as people with shellfish allergies.
Chitosan - medical applications
Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and nontoxicity, chitosan exhibits anti-hemorrhagic, antimicrobial properties and promotes wound healing. It can be used in dressings designed for:
- inhibition of bleeding,
- treatment of traumatic wounds,
- treatment of pressure sores and chronic ulcers.
Chitosan products are available in powder, nonwoven, sponge or gel form and can be used as both dressings and artificial skins. Chitosan owes its therapeutic applications mainly to the cationic nature of the compound and its hydrophilic character. It demonstrates a certain ability to stimulate macrophages and neutrophils, which destroy pathogens in our body, and also stimulates cellular activity (in particular fibroblasts responsible for the production of collagen and elastin), cytokine production and promotes angiogenesis. Thus, chitosan promotes wound healing, stimulates the formation of granulation tissue and reduces the formation of scars.
Chitosan for weight loss
However, chitosan is not only a dressing, but also a substance that can be taken internally. Due to its absorption properties in the gastrointestinal tract, it reduces the absorption of dietary fats. Based on this mechanism of action, chitosan has been observed to help improve BMI, lipid profile and cardiovascular health. According to several animal studies, chitosan has a possible anti-diabetic effect, in particular, it has been observed to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats, as well as having an effect on reducing tissue resistance to insulin. Chitosan-based nutritional supplements contribute to weight loss and prevention of so-called "civilization" diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
Chitosan Gel from Bees and Its Benefits for Wounds
Benefits for Wounds:
1. Anti-Microbial: Chitosan can kill bacteria, which helps prevent infections in wounds. This is crucial for avoiding complications and promoting healing.
2. Anti-Inflammatory: It reduces inflammation, which is important for minimizing pain and swelling around the wound.
3. Biodegradable: Chitosan breaks down naturally in the body, making it safe to use on wounds without causing harm.
4. Hemostatic: It helps stop bleeding quickly by promoting blood clotting. This is beneficial for treating fresh wounds to prevent excessive blood loss.
5. Moist Environment: Chitosan can maintain a moist environment, which is ideal for wound healing. It prevents the wound from drying out and promotes faster tissue regeneration.
6. Promotes Tissue Growth: It encourages the growth of new cells and tissue, aiding in the repair and regeneration of the skin.
7. Pain Relief: The material's properties can help reduce pain at the wound site.
