Nanocellulose in targeted drug delivery: A review of modifications and synergistic applications

Nanocellulose, a versatile biopolymer renowned for its exceptional physicochemical attributes including lightweight, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and higher mechanical strength properties has captured significant attention in biomedical research. This renewable material, extracted from widely abundant biosources including plants, bacteria, and algae, exists in three primary forms: cellulose-based nanocrystals (CNCs), nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). CNCs are characterized by their highly crystalline, needle-shaped structure, while CNFs possess a blend of amorphous and crystalline regions. BNC stands out as the purest form of nanocellulose. Chemical functionalization enables precise tuning of nanocellulose properties, enhancing its suitability for diverse biomedical applications. In drug delivery systems, nanocellulose's unique structure and surface chemistry offer opportunities for targeted delivery of active molecules. Surface-modified nanocellulose can effectively deliver drugs to specific sites, utilizing its inherent properties to control drug release kinetics and improve therapeutic outcomes. Despite these advantages, challenges such as achieving optimal drug loading capacity and ensuring sustained drug release remain. Future research aims to address these challenges and explore novel applications of nano-structured cellulose in targeted drug delivery, highlighting the continued evolution of this promising biomaterial in biomedicine. Furthermore, the review delves into the impact of chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods for CNC surface modifications, showcasing how these approaches enhance the functionalization of CNCs for targeted delivery of different compounds in biological systems.