A review of nanocellulose as a novel vehicle for drug delivery

Abstract

SUMMARY: The current state of research into nanocellulose in drug delivery is reviewed in this article. There are three types of nanocellulose: cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and bacterial cellulose (BC), all of which may be produced in suitable amounts at reasonable cost. All three have been investigated as drug delivery vehicles with CNC and CNF reported to bind and release some water-soluble drugs via ionic interactions whereas BC has been used to release drugs from flexible membranes. The rationale for using nanocellulose is the high surface area-to-volume ratio of the material that may enable high levels of drug binding at the surface. All forms of nanocellulose can be chemically modified to expand the range of drugs that may bind to the surface. Most studies are academic in nature and have not focused on formulating specific drugs for specific disease applications. Furthermore, there are few studies that have investigated the assumed biocompatibility or fate of nanocellulose in vivo. Arguably, a logical first application might be for wound dressings in which a nanocellulose-based antibiotic formulation could provide a controlled drug release aspect uncomplicated by internal biocompatibility or clearance concerns. The prospects for further research into nanocelluloses in drug delivery are discussed.