Chitooligosaccharides and their structural-functional effect on hydrogels: A review

Chitosan’s lack of solubility in physiological pH and high molecular weight (MW) limits its use in hydrogel scaffolds. Conversion of chitosan to low MW chitooligosaccharides (COS) not only imparts water solubility, it also enhances several other biological properties. When used in hydrogels, the low MW improves the performance of the hydrogels, e.g., the absorptive property, biocompatibility and cell proliferation capability. Most importantly,...