Recent advances in cellulose-based antimicrobial films: A review

Cellulose, known as the most abundant natural polymer, has renewability, good film-forming, biodegradability, safety, non-toxicity, etc. It can serve as an excellent carrier or substrate for antibacterial agents. In recent years, cellulose antibacterial membranes have become a research hotspot of new antibacterial materials. Cellulose-based antimicrobial films are extensively applied because of their impressive biocompatibility, antimicrobial performance, and other advantages. They are expected to be an effective alternative to petroleum-based antibacterial films. Therefore, the review focuses on the recent progress in cellulose-based antimicrobial films. First, the most widely used antimicrobial agents are described, along with their antibacterial mechanisms. Secondly, the latest research progress on cellulose-based antimicrobial membranes is summarized from the perspective of cellulose-based materials. The fabrication methods of cellulose-based antimicrobial films are then concluded. Finally, the recent advances in the application of cellulose-based antimicrobial film in food packaging, biomedicine, and water treatment are outlined. Moreover, the prospects are made for the study of cellulose-based antimicrobial films.