Chitosan for the delivery of antibiotics
Abstract
Bacterial or fungal infections can be a devastating complication acquired after environmental exposure to microorganisms, especially after injury, surgery, hospitalization, or implantation of biomaterials. The development of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms provides further complications to treatment, as well as the formation of biofilm in tissue or on implanted biomaterials. Delivery of antibiotics systemically or locally can treat or prevent infection, but improved delivery systems are required for optimal release profile and efficacy. The natural biopolymer chitosan has been used in many forms, including films, coatings, beads, and hydrogels to deliver antibiotics and antimicrobials. This chapter reviews current research on chitosan for antibiotic delivery and provides general methods for assessing antibiotic release from chitosan biomaterials.
Publication Title
Chitosan Based Biomaterials
Recommended Citation
Harris, M., Alexander, C., Wells, C., Bumgardner, J., Carpenter, D., & Jennings, J. (2017). Chitosan for the delivery of antibiotics. Chitosan Based Biomaterials, 2, 147-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100228-5.00006-7
