Biopolymers as wound healing materials

Biopolymers are polymers produced from natural sources either chemically synthesized from a biological material or entirely biosynthesized by living organisms. The use of biopolymers from different sources has been investigated for many years for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. This has resulted in a multitude of healthcare products on the market that use biopolymers in the formulation as a functional excipient or even as an active ingredient. The diverse compositions, tuneable physical behavior, and wide variety from which to choose have fueled the interest in biopolymers. In addition, the relatively low cost of and renewable nature make this class of material particularly attractive to in high-value sectors such as the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. The most frequently used types of biopolymer in such applications are polysaccharides and proteins, the main focus of this chapter. This chapter intends to provide an overview on the chemical and physical properties of biopolymers used as wound healing materials and how these properties are exploited as dressings