Cellulose and Cellulose Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications in Medical Field

Cellulose, the most prevalent biopolymer in the world, is comprehensively reviewed. Cellulose occurs in fibrillar patterns with alternating crystalline and amorphous regions. The non-toxic and -friendly nature of cellulose has made it beneficial in many fields, such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical, nanotechnology, etc. Numerous sources, including the plant cell wall and wood, some types of bacteria, algae, and tunicates can provide cellulose. This polysaccharide is composed of a straight chain of d-glucose units attached by β (1 → 4) that extend in number from several hundred to thousands. This review details the recent progress in the synthesis of cellulose nanofibers or nanofibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, commonly referred to as nanocellulose, and bacterial cellulose. The methodologies and procedures for evaluating the morphology, purity, crystallinity, mechanical, rheological, and other characteristics of cellulose micro/nanomaterials are covered in this review. The current study also discusses several ways to functionalize CNFs, CNCs, and BC. Finally, a guide to the synthesis of cellulose nanocomposites is provided, along with possible uses in the biomedical field, such as wound healing, bone tissue engineering, and artificial blood vessel production. Additionally, applications related to the pharmaceutical industry are also highlighted.