Recent advances in composites based on cellulose derivatives for biomedical applications

Cellulose derivatives represent a viable alternative to pure cellulose due to their solubility in water and common organic solvents. This, coupled with their low cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, makes them an attractive choice for applications related to the biomedicine and bioanalysis area. Cellulose derivatives-based composites with improved properties were researched as films and membranes for osseointegration, hemodialysis and biosensors, smart textile fibers, tissue engineering scaffolds, hydrogels and nanoparticles for drug delivery. The different preparation strategies of these polymeric composites as well as the most recent available experimental results were described in this review. General aspects such as structure and properties of cellulose extracted from plants or bacterial sources, types of cellulose derivatives and their synthesis methods were also discussed. Finally, the future perspectives related to composites based on cellulose derivatives were highlighted and some conclusions regarding the reviewed applications were drawn.