Recent progress in nanocellulose-based biocomposites for bone tissue engineering and wound healing applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Nanocellulose (NC) is a renewable biomaterial known for stiffness, strength, and biodegradability.
• NC exists as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), varying in size, morphology, and crystallinity.
• NC is increasingly used as a reinforcing agent in biocomposites to enhance polymer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the reinforcing effects of nanocellulose on the physicochemical and thermo-mechanical properties of NC-based biocomposites.
• To summarize the applications of NC-based biocomposites in tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressings.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication techniques for NC-based biocomposites include solution casting, resin impregnation, and melt compounding.
• Characterization of biocomposite properties focuses on thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable aspects.
• Evaluation of specific properties relevant to tissue engineering and wound dressings, such as porosity, tensile strength, and biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Nanocellulose reinforcement significantly improves the thermal stability, mechanical strength, and biodegradability of both synthetic and natural polymers.
• NC incorporation optimizes essential properties for tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressings, including porosity, tensile modulus, tensile strength, moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR), biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, water retention, bio-adhesiveness, and hemocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Nanocellulose is a versatile reinforcing agent for developing advanced biocomposites.
• NC-based biocomposites offer tunable properties suitable for demanding applications in regenerative medicine and wound care.