Review on biomedical and bioengineering applications of cellulose sulfate

Polysaccharide sulfates are naturally existing chemicals that show important biological activities in living organisms. Cellulose sulfate is a semi-synthesized polysaccharide sulfate with a relatively simple chain structure and unique biological properties and its biological applications have been explored in research and clinical trials. With the advance of cellulose derivatization and characterization, cellulose sulfate molecules with tailored structures have been developed to fulfill individual requirements. This review aims to provide a summary of recent development of cellulose sulfate in biomedical applications. Its synthesis pathways were discussed with structure-property relationship elucidated. The application of cellulose sulfate in drug delivery and microbe/cell immobilization were summarized with emphasis given on its polyelectrolyte complex formation processes.