this invention describes non - staining , pharmaceutically useful compositions of ionic complexes made between the cationic polymer chitosan or its derivatives and the small anionic iodine - iodide complex . unlike previously disclosed ion transfer chitosan iodine complexes , icic &# 39 ; s were found to possess dramatically higher viscosity than those of each ingredient separately , and instantly form a gel structure that is easily dispersible upon shaking . in addition to their antiseptic power , icic &# 39 ; s showed better skin biocompatibility than povidone iodine and effectively promoted wound healing .