Work

Nanocellulose-based polymer hybrids and their emerging applications in biomedical engineering and water purification

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Nanocellulose, derived from cellulose hydrolysis, has unique optical and mechanical properties, high surface area, and good biocompatibility. It is frequently used as a reinforcing agent to improve the native properties of materials. The presence of functional groups in its surface enables the alteration of its behavior and its use under different conditions. Nanocellulose is typically used in the form of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), or bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). CNCs and CNFs have a high aspect ratio with typical lengths of ∼100-250 nm and 0.1-2 μm, respectively; BNC is nanostructured cellulose produced by bacteria. Nanohybrid materials are a combination of organic or inorganic nanomaterials with macromolecules forming a single composite and typically exhibit superior optical, thermal, and mechanical properties to those of native polymers, owing to the greater interactions between the macromolecule matrix and the nanomaterials. Excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability make nanocellulose an ideal material for applications in biomedicine. Unlike native polymers, nanocellulose-based nanohybrids exhibit a sustained drug release ability, which can be further optimized by changing the content or chemical environment of the nanocellulose, as well as the external stimuli, such as the pH and electric fields. In this review, we describe the process of extraction of nanocellulose from different natural sources; its effects on the structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of polymers; and its various applications.

Source: RSC Advances

DOI: 10.1039/c9ra03261d

Authors: Dinesh K. Patel, Sayan Deb Dutta, Ki-Taek Lim

Institutions: Kangwon National University, Institute of Forest Science

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,042

Funders: National Research Foundation, Rural Development Administration, National Research Foundation of Korea