Bacterial Cellulose-Based Composite Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC), with non-toxicity, high purity, and biocompatibility, has been considered as a versatile candidate for various biomedical applications. Recently, the fabrication of BC-based composite scaffolds compounded with other ingredients such as nanoparticles and polymers has received extensive investigation, which enabled the development of numerous promising biomedical products. Additionally, BC-derived nanocrystals (BCNCs) and nanofibrils (BCNFs) have proven to be promising reinforcing agents in a variety of polymeric scaffolds for biomedical applications. In this review, we summarize recent preparation strategies for BC-based and BCNCs- and BCNFs-containing composite scaffolds and their advances in biomedical applications, including wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery, as well as tumor cell culture and cancer treatment. Finally, we present challenges and future perspectives for BC-based composite scaffolds for biomedical applications.