Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) hydrogels have been investigated in biomedical research because of their versatile properties that make them suitable for various medical applications. Key properties that are especially valuable for biomedical use include biocompatibility, tailored solid-like mechanical characteristics, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, moisture retention, and pH stimuli-sensitive swelling. These features offer advantages such as enhanced healing, promotion of granulation tissue formation, and facilitation of neutrophil migration. As a result, CMCS hydrogels are favorable materials for applications in biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery systems, wound healing, tissue engineering, and more. Understanding the interactions between CMCS hydrogels and biological systems, with a focus on their influence on cellular behavior, is crucial for leveraging their versatility. Because of the constantly growing interest in chitosan and its derivative hydrogels in biomedical research and applications, the present review aims to provide updated insights into the potential medical applications of CMCS based on recent findings. Additionally, we comprehensively elucidated the cellular mechanisms underlying the actions of these hydrogels in medical settings. In summary, this paper recapitulates valuable data gathered from the current literature, offering perspectives for further development and utilization of carboxymethyl hydrogels in various medical contexts.

Biomedicine is constantly evolving to ensure a significant and positive impact on healthcare, which has resulted in innovative and distinct requisites such as hydrogels. Chitosan-based formulations stand out for their versatile utilization in drug encapsulation, transport, and controlled release, which is complemented by their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-immunogenic nature. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also known as smart hydrogels, have strictly regulated release patterns since they respond and adapt based on various external stimuli. Moreover, they can imitate the intrinsic tissues’ mechanical, biological, and physicochemical properties. These characteristics allow stimuli-responsive hydrogels to provide cutting-edge, effective, and safe treatment. Constant progress in the field necessitates an up-to-date summary of current trends and breakthroughs in the biomedical application of stimuli-responsive chitosan-based hydrogels, which was the aim of this review. General data about hydrogels sensitive to ions, pH, redox potential, light, electric field, temperature, and magnetic field are recapitulated. Additionally, formulations responsive to multiple stimuli are mentioned. Focusing on chitosan-based smart hydrogels, their multifaceted utilization was thoroughly described. The vast application spectrum encompasses neurological disorders, tumors, wound healing, and dermal infections. Available data on smart chitosan hydrogels strongly support the idea that current approaches and developing novel solutions are worth improving. The present paper constitutes a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the currently evolving field.

Neurodegenerative disorders present significant therapeutic challenges, particularly due to the complex nature of drug delivery to the central nervous system. This review investigates the applications of various biopolymers in neuroprotection and their potential role in treating neurodegeneration. We present a critical analysis of natural and synthetic biopolymers, focusing primarily on chitosan, fish collagen/gelatin, and alginate as key therapeutic agents. The review examines the fundamental mechanisms of brain development and neurodegeneration, establishing a framework for understanding how these biopolymers interact with neural tissues. By analyzing recent experimental studies, we evaluate the effectiveness of different biopolymer-based delivery systems in crossing the blood–brain barrier and their subsequent neuroprotective effects. Additionally, promising materials, including lignin, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, and glucose-modified bovine serum albumin/procyanidin complexes, are briefly explored to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments in the field. Our analysis reveals that biopolymer-based approaches offer unique advantages in both neuroprotection and drug delivery, potentially opening new avenues for treating neurodegenerative conditions. This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies promising directions for future research in biopolymer-based therapeutic strategies.

Background: Cichorium intybus L., a member of the Asteraceae family, has numerous health-promoting properties that categorize its preparations as functional foods and herbal medicines. Most previous research focused on the root of C. intybus var. sativum (industrial chicory) as a rich source of inulin, while the witloof variety (C. intybus var. foliosum) is less explored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of C. intybus var. foliosum root extracts obtained with different extraction protocols and to analyze their polysaccharide and polyphenol content. Methods: Freeze-dried root extracts were prepared using water and three extraction methods: pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both. The contents of inulin, total polyphenols, and total caffeic acid derivatives in the extracts were measured by the Layne–Eynon, Folin–Ciocalteu, and UHPLC-PDA methods, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extracts and inulin was tested in vitro using the L929 cell line, MTT method, and paracetamol as the reference standard. Results: Inulin levels in the extracts ranged from 43.88 to 50.95 g/100 g dry matter (dm), total polyphenols were between 816.7 and 906.4 mg/100 g dm, and total phenolic acids ranged from 11.50 to 187.1 mg/100 dm, with pressure-assisted extraction yielding the highest phytochemical recovery. The cytotoxicity tests showed IC₅₀ values from 4.72 to 7.31 mg/mL for the extracts, compared to 3.02 for paracetamol and 19.77 for inulin. Conclusions: Given the high content of active compounds and low cytotoxicity, the root extracts of C. intybus var. foliosum merit further research into their functional and medicinal properties. Pressure-assisted extraction is recommended for effective extraction of chicory.

Climate change presents significant global challenges, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and degrading ecosystems threatening both human societies and the environment. The increasing intensity of these climatic effects demands innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of crosslinked polymers with water absorption and retention properties, have become viable multipurpose materials for climate solutions in response to these pressing issues. This review examines four primary applications of hydrogels as climate technologies: atmospheric water harvesting, passive cooling, soil health enhancement, and energy conservation. These materials address climate challenges through their unique properties including high water absorption capacity, stimuli-responsive behavior, and biocompatibility. By effectively capturing moisture, hydrogel-based devices provide sustainable freshwater production in areas with limited water resources. For thermal management, they offer passive cooling through evaporative processes, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Superabsorbent hydrogels in agriculture help drought-resistant crop development in arid areas and improve soil water retention. Smart windows with thermochromic hydrogels allow for passive energy savings by dynamically modulating the sun’s light without the need for additional electricity. Through integrated deployment techniques, biodegradable formulations from sustainable sources handle various climate issues while ensuring environmental compatibility.