A transparent wound dressing sheet was obtained by forming a complex between p-glucan and chitosan (CS). These materials were chosen for their biocompatible, bioabsorbable, and biodegradable properties, and they were expected to promote the therapeutic efficacy of the dressing by increasing the wound healing response. The therapeutic efficacy of the beta-glucan-CS complex sheet as a wound dressing was evaluated in wounds created on the dorsal surfaces of mice. beta-glucan-CS complex sheets demonstrated therapeutic efficacies comparable or superior to that of Beschitin (R) W, a commercial wound dressing made from CS. Additionally, the beta-glucan-CS complex sheet did not dissolve during the application period, did not adhere to wounds, and was easy to remove. Cumulatively, these results indicate that beta-glucan-CS complex sheets are a promising new wound dressing product. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.