Investigation of Properties and Applications of Chitosan-Vanillin Hydrogels: A Review

Nowdays, chitosan hydrogels are widely used due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, cheapness, antibacterial and non-toxic properties. Chitosan hydrogels are made of various crosslinkers, which most of them are toxic and hazardous. Due to many applications of the hydrogels in medicine, drug delivery, tissue engineering and food industry, it is better to use safe and non-toxic crosslinkers in order to produce chitosan hydrogels. Vanilla is a natural and non-toxic aldehyde that can be used as a crosslinker. In addition, vanilla enhances the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of chitosan hydrogels. This paper reviews the various properties and applications of the chitosan-vanilla compound, including applications in antimicrobial and anticancer agents, drug delivery, metal ion absorption from water, perfume production and food preservatives and agricultural coatings.