Recent advances in strategies of nanocellulose surface and/or interface engineering for potential biomedical applications as well as its ongoing challenges: a review

Nanocellulose, as a native renewable material extracted from cellulosic biomass, has gained increased attention in biomedical applications due to its unique physical features, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and modifiable surface chemistry. However, as a candidate for biomedical uses, native nanocellulose still has some limitations, including mechanical properties that are incomparable to those of natural tissues, a lack of biodegradability in vivo, and insufficient cell adhesion support, all of which prevent the widespread use of nanocellulose in the biomedical field. Recently, surface or interface engineering has been advocated as a promising strategy for tailoring the bioactivities and physiochemical properties of native nanocellulose for specific biomedical applications. This review paper focuses on recent advances in nanocellulose surface and/or interface engineering strategies for potential biomedical applications. The features of native nanocellulose that are similar to those of biomaterials have been emphasized. It also proposed a roadmap for the development of nanocellulose-based biomaterials, along with bottlenecks and prospects. This review paper emphasizes a new concept for nanocellulose-based biomaterials development strategies based on nanocellulose surface and interface properties for potential biomedical applications. Graphical abstract