The effects of chitosan in the healing process of the oral mucosa

Abstract

Introduction: The healing process is a dynamic procedure, characterized by a sequence of phases and accompanied by some classical symptoms of inflammation such as redness, swelling, pain and loss of function1. Chitosan, a naturally derived polymer from the deacetylation of chitin, has appropriate proprieties for the use in several biomedical fields that contributes to the tissue healing and regeneration2. Proprieties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, hemostatic, antimicrobial activity and the capacity to influence wound healing indicate that it could be applied in periodontal therapy such as the wound healing of the oral mucosa3. Chitosan is soluble in an acidic environment and exhibits excellent tissue affinity and consequently it could be used in hydrogel forms4,5. Aim: The aim of this experimental study is to assess possibilities of the chitosan to influence the healing process of the oral mucosa. Materials and Methods: This experimental pilot study is a split-mouth design of 8 patients where the studied group was subjected to two oral surgeries, one with chitosan hydrogel into the socket and other without biomaterial. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire and photography. Results: There were differences in the healing process of the oral mucosa in sites where chitosan was used compared to the control. Some classic signs of inflammation were observed in a short period of time where chitosan acts. In these cases it was observed a decrease in pain and absence of bleeding. Conclusions: According to the references and the obtained results chitosan favoured the healing process by attraction and activation of neutrophils and macrophages and stimulation of angiogenesis6. Other proprieties such as hemostatic and antimicrobial activity also play an important role in wound healing. All these peculiar abilities make the chitosan essential in a postoperative quality of patients, allowing a rapid healing of the wound, with less complications.

Date of Award	2 Nov 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rui Alberto Amaral Mendes (Supervisor)