Nanocellulose-based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing and holding a large amount of water. They have a wide range of biomedical applications including drug carriers, biosensors, tissue scaffolds and wound dressings owning to their innate resemblance to the living tissue. Recently biodegradable and renewable natural polymers, especially nanocellulose, have gained immense attention in the development of hydrogels for biomedical applications. This review provides a brief analysis of the various nanocellulosic materials used in the fabrication of hydrogels for various biomedical applications. Recent developments in high performance hydrogels based on nanocellulose, including self-healing, highly tough and/or stretchable and 3D printable hydrogels will also be covered in this review.