Research Information System
in: Sustainable Cellulose Materials for Biomedical Applications, Rishabha Malviya,Sonali Sundram, Editor, Springer, London/Berlin , Singapore, pp.497-522, 2025
Cellulose is a polysaccharide (which makes them classified as a natural polymer) obtained from generally plant sources. Most preferred cellulose type for medical devices is bacterial cellulose which produced by microorganisms offers higher mechanical strength and water retention capacity. Their provision of moisture to environment resulted from their high water retention capacity which also support wound healing properties. In relation to this, their usage in areas such as wound dressings and tissue engineering has grown substantially. Additionally, cellulose is an environmentally friendly material due to its biodegradable properties. This feature offers a safe alternative in medical devices. Cellulose can be processed in various ways and produced in different forms (gels, films), and since they are biocompatible, they reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Thanks to their biodegradable properties and biocompatibility, cellulose-based medical devices are cutting edge area in modern medicine. These areas are such as tissue engineering, wound care and drug delivery systems.
Cellulose-based dressings support the rapid healing of wounds while the risk of infection is also reduced. High water retention capacity catalyzes healing with a moist environment. Cellulose plays a fundamental role in tissue engineering applications by offering structural support: scaffold for cell growth. Similar properties of cellulose enable improved treatments when it is used for controlled drug release. Recent studies proceeds to enhance the performance and safety of cellulose-based medical devices. Studies about bacterial celluloses are the proof of the high potential in medical applications. In addition, variety of studies have demonstrated that new compounds obtained by the modification of cellulose can enhance the performance of medical devices. Hence, cellulose-based medical devices offer both environmentally friendly and effectively suitable option for biomedical applications. Progress in this field is creating opportunities for more sustainable and impactful health solutions in the process of time.