Radioprotective Effects of Chitosan Polysaccharides and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Ionizing radiation (IR) plays a central role in the biomedical field, both for diagnosis and for the treatment of pathologies such as cancer. However, exposure to IR can cause significant cellular damage, affecting both tumor cells and neighbouring healthy tissue. In this context, the use of effective radioprotective agents is a necessity. Chitosan (CS), a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, stands out for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and reparative properties, as well as its biocompatibility and biodegradability. These characteristics make it a promising candidate for radiation protection. This chapter examines the radioprotective mechanisms of chitosan, in particular its ability to trap reactive oxygen species and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It also highlights its many biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering and controlled drug release. Finally, the limits to its clinical use and recent advances aimed at improving its physico-chemical properties are discussed, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies in radiation protection.