A review study on derivation of nanocellulose to its functional properties and applications in drug delivery system, food packaging, and biosensing devices

The majority of the cell wall of a plant is composed of cellulose. Cellulose is an outstanding abundant, fibrous, and water-insoluble polymer on earth. The excellent hierarchical structure and semicrystalline nature of plant cellulose permit the easy isolation of nanofibers and nanocrystals through mechanically and chemically applied top-down destruction strategies. The cellulose molecules in nanocomposites can be separated into types such as bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), crystalline nanocellulose (CNC), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), which are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and possess remarkably improved properties compared to conventional materials. Generally, they are deliberated as second-generation renewable resources, which assist as a superior replacement for petroleum-based materials. Research studies on nanocellulose are extensively accelerating due to petroleum-based materials issues like CO2 emissions, plastic based-pollution, and the absence of renewable energy. Research studies regarding these materials are interestingly increasing due to their outstanding properties such as biocompatibility, renewability, higher mechanical and lower density values, while sustainable production still associated with various challenges. Here, we comprehensively review the recent developments in nanocellulose production structural dimensions, properties, and applications, dedicated to drug delivery system, food industry, piezoelectric sensors, actuators, energy generators biosensing and bioimaging electronic devices.