Zhen Yi, Xiao Luo and Lei Zhao* Pages 5037 - 5055 ( 19 )
Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS), hydrolysed products of chitosan, are low-molecular weight polymers with a positive charge and good biocompatibility. COS have recently been reported to possess various biological activities, including hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antioxidantantioxidant, immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antibacterial, and tissue engineering activities, exhibiting extensive application prospects. Currently, the biological processes and mechanisms of COS are attractive topics of study, ranging from the genetic, molecular and protein levels. This article reviews the recent discoveries about COS, especially in metabolic regulation, immune function and tissue repair, providing important insights into their multiple biological activities, medical benefits, and therapeutic mechanisms.
Chitosan, Chitosan oligosaccharides, biological activities, mechanisms, nanoparticle, tissue engineering.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022