Cellulose/calcium phosphate hybrids: New materials for biomedical and environmental applications

The use of cellulose as an alternative to synthetic polymers might permit the decrease of environmental impacts by achieving more easily biodegradable or reusable materials. Recently, cellulose and inorganics are synergistically coupled to tailor promising functional hybrids with unique properties. The current review presents an overview of the recent trials for preparing cellulose/calcium phosphate hybrid materials and offers prospects for many new applications in diverse fields. During the whole review, different cellulose forms and cellulose derivatives are being explored as fillers or templates for the design of new functional materials and support for the loading of different calcium phosphate phases. The functionalization of cellulose with calcium phosphate was carried out to construct new and attractive physicochemical properties that are being exploited for different applications such as bone regeneration, drug delivery vehicles, dental repair and adsorption. The studying of cellulose/calcium phosphate hybrid materials is supported by increasing concern in providing smart materials that combine best of the calcium phosphate properties along with cellulose. The review also aims to study the driving forces and limitations towards structuring of cellulose/calcium phosphate hybrid materials. It appears that the use of cellulosic materials for constructing new hybrids is very promising for biomedical and environmental applications.