Succinyl chitosan, a novel water-soluble derivative of natural chitosan modified with succinic anhydride, has emerged as a promising material in pharmaceutical research. It retains chitosan's inherent merits of biocompatibility, degradability and non-toxicity, while greatly improving water solubility and functional versatility, laying a solid foundation for biomedical applications.
It serves as an excellent intelligent carrier for drug delivery. Its molecular active groups can stably load and protect drug molecules. Responsive to specific pH changes in the human body, it enables precise, targeted drug release at lesion sites like acidic tumor tissues, which boosts therapeutic efficacy and reduces systemic side effects.
The material also boasts great value in wound care and tissue engineering. Succinyl chitosan-based hydrogel dressings feature good moisture retention and air permeability, effectively facilitating fibroblast growth and migration to accelerate the repair of chronic wounds including diabetic ulcers. As a 3D scaffold, it also guides the regeneration of skin, cartilage and other tissues.
Additionally, its superior bioadhesion and mucosal permeability make it ideal for oral and nasal mucosal drug delivery systems, capable of enhancing the mucosal absorption and bioavailability of multiple drugs.
As a typical functional modified natural polymer, succinyl chitosan is green and safe. With advancing research and industrialization, it is expected to drive new breakthroughs in clinical treatment and benefit global patients.
