A Comprehensive Overview of Cellulose and Its Derivatives: Structural Features and Emerging Applications

Abstract

Growing interest in cellulose as a versatile material has driven extensive research into its chemical architecture, processing methods, mechanical properties, aggregation behavior, and structural organization, both in solution and at interfaces, highlighting its diverse applications. It is a promising material for healthcare applications, including controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, obesity treatment, and regenerative medicine. This review presents a comprehensive assessment of cellulose and its scientific significance, highlighting its potential to advance polymer science, biomedical engineering, and sustainable technologies. Various extraction and processing techniques, including chemical and physical methods aimed at enhancing cellulose yield and purity, have also been reviewed. Current research focuses on improving its mechanical performance, surface functionality, and scalability to fully realize the technological potential of cellulose-based materials.