Nanocellulose-based porous materials: Regulation and pathway to commercialization in regenerative medicine

• Published in: Bioactive materials Vol. 29; pp. 151 - 176
• Main Authors: Ferreira, Filipe V., Souza, Alana G., Ajdary, Rubina, de Souza, Lucas P., Lopes, João H., Correa, Daniel S., Siqueira, Gilberto, Barud, Hernane S., Rosa, Derval dos S., Mattoso, Luiz H.C., Rojas, Orlando J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Elsevier B.V 01.11.2023; KeAi Publishing; KeAi Communications Co., Ltd
• Subjects: Biomaterial; Cellulose nanocrystals; Cellulose nanofibrils; Green nanomaterials; Regenerative medicine; Review; Sustainable materials; Sustainable materials; Cellulose nanofibrils; Biomaterial; Regenerative medicine; Cellulose nanocrystals; Green nanomaterials
• ISSN: 2452-199X; 2452-199X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.020

We review the recent progress that have led to the development of porous materials based on cellulose nanostructures found in plants and other resources. In light of the properties that emerge from the chemistry, shape and structural control, we discuss some of the most promising uses of a plant-based material, nanocellulose, in regenerative medicine. Following a brief discussion about the fundamental aspects of self-assembly of nanocellulose precursors, we review the key strategies needed for material synthesis and to adjust the architecture of the materials (using three-dimensional printing, freeze-casted porous materials, and electrospinning) according to their uses in tissue engineering, artificial organs, controlled drug delivery and wound healing systems, among others. For this purpose, we map the structure–property–function relationships of nanocellulose-based porous materials and examine the course of actions that are required to translate innovation from the laboratory to industry. Such efforts require attention to regulatory aspects and market pull. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities in this nascent field are critically reviewed. [Display omitted] •Critical review of cellulose-based porous nanostructures in regenerative medicine.•Key concepts for engineering porous materials are presented.•Function-structure-property relationships at micro- and nano-scale are emphasized.•The commercialization pathway and regulatory challenges are highlighted.