Potential of chitosan-based hydrogels with hormones and growth factors in chronic wound therapy – the possibilities of preparing a prescription drug based on a literature review

Chronic wounds are characterised by delayed healing and an atypical healing process that stops at the inflammatory or proliferative phase. The aim of this article is to indicate the potential of chitosan hydrogels encompassing hormones and growth factors in the treatment of chronic wounds and indicate their possibility as a prescription drug. A comprehensive search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, identifying eight studies on chitosan hydrogel preparation technology as potentially suitable for the manufacture of a pharmacy formulation setting. The literature review indicates that chitosan hydrogel carriers containing hormones or hormone derivatives may be used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. They are exceptional primarily due to their favourable physicochemical properties, allowing epidermal application, simplicity of preparation, and low manufacturing cost. However, the lack of clinical trials suggests the need for further studies on their efficacy and safety of use.