Bacterial cellulose/chitosan composite materials for biomedical applications

As the demand for green engineered materials in biomedicine continues to grow, attention is turning towards developing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a natural biopolymer, is recognized for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it a promising material for biomedical uses. However, its lack of antimicrobial properties somewhat restricts its standalone use in medical applications. On the other hand, chitosan (CS), another naturally sourced biopolymer, exhibits strong antimicrobial properties but lacks flexibility. Thus, the strategic innovation involves combining BC and CS to create a novel composite material that amalgamates the advantages of both, thereby expanding the range of applications and enhancing overall performance. This review delves into the latest research and applications of BC/CS composites in areas such as wound dressings, tissue engineering, and drug delivery, examining their preparation methods and current research trends. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects for BC/CS composites in biomedical applications are analyzed.