Nanocelluloses: Sources, Pretreatment, Isolations, Modification, and Its Application as the Drug Carriers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly adopting 'back-to-nature' concepts due to environmental concerns over synthetic chemicals.
• Natural polymers, particularly cellulose derivatives, are emerging as sustainable alternatives.
• Nanocelluloses have advanced significantly as nanocarriers for drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of nanocelluloses as drug delivery nanocarriers.
• To explore modification and functionalization strategies for enhancing nanocellulose performance.
• To provide insights into selecting nanocellulose-based hybrid materials for drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanocellulose applications in drug delivery.
• Analysis of modification techniques for nanocellulose-drug interactions (physical and chemical).
• Examination of advanced nanocarrier formulations (e.g., hydrogels, hybrid materials).

Main Results:

• Cellulose nanofiber (CNF), nanocrystal cellulose (NCC), and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) are key nanocellulose types used as drug carriers.
• Modification enhances nanocellulose adsorption and drug delivery efficiency.
• Advanced formulations enable stimuli-responsive and targeted drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Nanocellulose-based carriers represent a new generation of drug delivery systems with tunable properties.
• Strategic selection of materials and modification routes is crucial for optimal carrier performance.
• Further research into high-quality nanocellulose is essential for pharmaceutical advancements.