Nanocellulose Technologies: Production, Functionalization, and Applications in Medicine and Pharmaceuticals - A Review

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of nanocellulose production, characterization, and applications, with a particular focus on its use in membranes and films for healthcare applications. The diverse sources of nanocellulose, including wood-based materials, agricultural byproducts, algae, and bacteria, are explored, highlighting their renewability, environmental benefits, and adaptability for specialized applications. The review also examines various pretreatment and processing methods, such as mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments, outlining their roles in achieving desirable nanocellulose properties. Additionally, surface modification techniques, including amidation and esterification, are discussed for enhancing compatibility, stability, and performance when nanocellulose is integrated into composite materials. A novel mechanochemical approach is highlighted as a sustainable and energy-efficient fibrillation technique that reduces the environmental impact of nanocellulose production. Furthermore, the chemical modification and functionalization of nanocellulose are analyzed to expand its capabilities in advanced biomedical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds that provide structural support for cell growth, wound dressings that leverage nanocellulose's antimicrobial and moisture-retentive properties, and drug delivery systems that utilize its biocompatibility and tunable release characteristics. The review concludes with future research directions, emphasizing the need for continued optimization of processing techniques, hybrid material development, and stimuli-responsive nanocellulose systems to unlock new biomedical and industrial applications.