Nanocellulose Composite Biomaterials in Industry and Medicine

Abstract

Cellulose, the most abundant polymer on earth, has merited a remarkable wave of attention, largely revolving around its nanocellulose derivative, a green, easily extractable, high-performance nanomaterial. Its widespread availability, high abundance, renewable nature, biocompatibility, low toxicity, unique structure, and easily tailorable mechanical and physical properties render it an attractive reagent in various sectors. While free of biological activity, nanocellulose presents a versatile platform for fabrication of composite, clinically relevant materials with healing and regeneration capacities. Similarly, its tunable characteristics enable design of smart drug delivery systems and biomimetics. It has also proven a transformative agent in the food packaging and 3D printing industries. The vast potential of nanocellulose continues to emerge and promises to bring to further exciting and novel applications. This chapter provides an overview of the various sources, production, and processing methods of nanocellulose, as well as the chemical modifications used to modify its properties and functions. In addition, its vast applications in the worlds of printing, wound healing, pharmaceutics, and tissue engineering are extensively reviewed.