Sustainable Cellulose Materials for Biomedical Applications

Cellulose is a natural polymer and is modified with chemical agents to obtain cellulose derivatives used in various industrial applications. These modifications make cellulose more functional by changing its physical and chemical properties. The main reactions used to derivatize cellulose are as follows: Acetylation, that is modification of cellulose with acetyl groups, produces cellulose acetate. This process increases the water solubility of cellulose and gives it biodegradable properties. Thus, cellulose acetate stands out as an environmentally friendly material. It is generally used in coating and film production. Carboxymethylation, which is the modification of cellulose with carboxymethyl groups, produces carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), which is water-soluble and used as a stabilizer and thickener in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. CMC prevents the formation of ice crystals in frozen products and increases the volume of baked goods. In the esterification reaction, cellulose is esterified with various acids, increasing the stress–strain properties and water resistance of cellulose. Cellulose derivatives obtained as a result of chemical modifications are applied in a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic products and biomedical applications. Chemical modification of cellulose derivatives increases the functionality of this natural polymer, allowing it an important role in modern industries with both environmentally friendly and functional properties. In addition to the derivatives mentioned here, other derivatives have also found a place in various applications. In this section, in addition to the chemical modifications applied to the products production of cellulose derivatives, biomedical applications in which these derivatives are used are also included.

The safety and biocompatibility of a material is determined by its ability to interact with the biological system without causing adverse reactions. Regarding safety, microbiological safety stands out, when applied to cells, chemical modification, when its derivatives are used with some modification in the cellular chain. When referring to biocompatibility, some care such as degradability, when modified for this purpose, with in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to evaluate the real biocompatibility of the materials. Cellulose, in general, generates biocompatible and safe materials for use in the medical field. This chapter will discuss points relating to cellulose, briefly discussing how it is obtained and the challenges it faces in terms of possible contamination, its toxicity and biocompatibility, and how to proceed with assessing its safety in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as environmental toxicity analyses and regulatory guidelines on its production and use. Briefly, its application, especially in the area of biomedical engineering, has been gaining prominence in product development and its use is increasingly promising, as most studies indicate that the use of cellulose is very promising due to its high biocompatibility with organisms and its good biodegradability in the environment, including in tests with aquatic animals. However, although it is normally considered safe, whenever a new product is produced with cellulose and its derivatives, safety assessments must be carried out, as the origin of the cellulose and the method of obtaining it can influence the toxicity of the material.

Microbial cellulose, a biopolymer synthesized by bacteria, is gaining significant attention for its superior features related to plant-derived cellulose. Its higher purity, crystallinity, tensile strength, and tunable structure enable it highly useful for biomedical, food, and environmental applications. This study explores the production, properties, along with wide-ranging utilization of microbial cellulose, emphasizing its potential for industrial and healthcare innovations. Microbial cellulose exhibits remarkable physical and chemical characteristics, including excellent mechanical strength, WHC, and biocompatibility. Unlike plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose lacks contaminants like lignin and hemicellulose, offering enhanced purity. Its porous structure enables its use in wound dressings, where it promotes healing and prevents infections. In tissue engineering, bacterial cellulose mimics the extracellular matrix, supporting cell proliferation and regeneration. The food industry benefits from microbial cellulose as a stabilizer and fat replacer, while its biodegradable nature makes it ideal for sustainable packaging solutions. Microbial cellulose is also effective in environmental remediation, such as removing dyes, heavy metals, and oils from wastewater. Advances in fermentation techniques, including static, shaking, and agitated cultures, have improved its production efficiency. However, challenges like high costs and limited scalability necessitate further research, including genetic engineering and the use of inexpensive substrates. Microbial cellulose holds immense potential across diverse sectors, providing sustainable solutions for healthcare, food, and environmental challenges. Continued advancements in production and application development will drive its broader industrial adoption.

Cellulose, one of the most bountiful biopolymers worldwide since it is found in plant cell walls, is considered an environmentally friendly and low-cost material compared to other natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic biopolymers. This biopolymer has been extensively studied in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering (3D printing) and wound dressing manufacturing, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry for drug delivery due to its excellent physicochemical properties, as well as its safety, biocompatibility, biodegradability, biomimetic, and low toxicity. However, polyelectrolyte complexes, which are macromolecular structures obtained from the joining of two or more positively or negatively charged polyelectrolytes, have emerged as a strategy to solve the limitations presented by cellulosic materials and their derivatives by themselves. In this sense, one of the main advantages of using cellulose polyelectrolyte complexes lies in the fact that the possibility of toxicity is reduced by using chemical cross-linking agents, as well as improvements in their physicochemical properties. Therefore, this book chapter describes the fundamentals and applications of different cellulose polyelectrolyte complexes in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, mainly.

Cellulose-based hydrogels have emerged as versatile materials with significant potential in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable physical and chemical properties. Derived from one of the most abundant natural polymers, cellulose, these hydrogels offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic materials. Cellulose hydrogels, synthesized by forming a three-dimensional network through either physical or chemical crosslinking of cellulose or its derivatives, are well-regarded for their high-water absorption capacity and excellent biocompatibility. The design of cellulose-based hydrogels involves modifications at the molecular level, allowing control over parameters like porosity, water retention, mechanical strength, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Their unique characteristics include high water content, mechanical resilience, and the capacity to incorporate bioactive molecules, making them ideal for diverse biomedical uses. Applications span wound healing and drug delivery systems to tissue engineering scaffolds and biosensors. In wound healing, cellulose hydrogels provide a moist environment that facilitates tissue repair, while in drug delivery, they allow for controlled release of therapeutic agents. In tissue engineering, they offer scaffolding structures that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), supporting cell adhesion and proliferation. Advances in cellulose functionalization have further expanded their applicability, enhancing cell interaction and material stability. Furthermore, recent advancements in nanocellulose-based hydrogels for tissue engineering have been extensively evaluated and documented. This chapter explores the design strategies, intrinsic properties, and wide-ranging biomedical applications of cellulose-based hydrogels, highlighting recent developments and future directions.

The novel cellulose-based hybrid smart hydrogels have been identified as dynamic in the field of tissue engineering because of their impressive biocompatibility, robust mechanical properties, and capacity to adapt. Hydrogels designed for these tissue architectures are composed of nanoscale components and responsive polymers to achieve structural and biological properties that are relevant to the complexity of the tissue microenvironment. In this chapter, the current state of smart hydrogels based on cellulose hybrids covering the design of such hydrogels and functionalization steps in connection with the application of resultant hydrogels on various types of tissues would be discussed. This chapter describes how alteration of biomaterial properties, multi-stimuli-responsive hydrogels for tissue engineering, and cellular response to the engineered matrix are explored to understand how these synthetic materials can be designed in a manner that resembles the natural tissue milieu and support regenerative medicine application. A focus has been made on composites of hydrogel/nanoparticles, stimuli responsiveness, and bioactivity for enhanced cell growth and differentiation to enhance clinical outcomes involving tissue repair/regeneration applications.

Skin, the largest organ of mammals, provides critical functions including internal organ protection, temperature control, and electrolyte/fluid balance maintenance. Loss of skin integrity impacts overall health, requiring its timely restoration. Skin regeneration, or wound healing, is a physiological process comprising hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Dysregulation of these phases, often exacerbated by bacterial infections that prolong inflammation, can result in chronic wounds. The medical community and researchers are gathering efforts to develop highly efficient and novel treatment strategies for managing chronic wounds. Researchers cannot disregard an important factor sustainability and reduced environmental impact of the new therapeutical approaches. So, natural materials have been investigators main choice to advance the creation of innovative medical devices designed for wound recovery, being an example cellulose. Cellulose, a naturally abundant polymer, has emerged as a versatile biomaterial with remarkable potential in the management of wounds, owing its biodegradable, biocompatible, and mechanical properties. This chapter will explore the physiology and dysregulation of wound healing, highlighting the impact of a microbial infection. It will delve into the characterization of cellulose, its derivatives, and cellulose-based biomaterials with improved antibacterial and skin regeneration properties. Special emphasis will be placed on natural-based cellulose sources, particularly grape stems as a sustainable and underutilized resource. This comprehensive analysis underscores the role of cellulose and its derivatives as innovative solutions for wound care, particularly addressing its microbial resistance and reduce carbon print.

Nanocellulose is a purified cellulose derivative conventionally obtained from sources such as wood and cotton. However, alternative sources for its extraction are currently being studied, and lignocellulosic residues represent a viable option for obtaining this natural polymer. This material is classified into cellulose micro-, nanofibers, and nanocrystals and is a promising component in biomedical applications. Cellulose nanofibers are biocompatible and durable, enabling their use in developing advanced dressings. These fibers have been integrated with antibacterial agents and drugs to enhance tissue regeneration and combat infections, thereby improving the efficacy of wound treatment. Furthermore, cellulose nanofibers have been combined with metal oxide nanoparticles to create hybrid materials, enhancing antibacterial activity, magnetic capabilities, and adsorption properties. This combination makes them suitable for magnetically controlled drug release, biosensors, and substances that enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. They also have the potential for bone disease treatments and advanced therapeutic approaches. In addition, using plant extracts for synthesizing metal nanoparticles and technological advancements, such as 3D printing, are driving significant advancements in biomedical applications. These innovations are improving the biocompatibility of composite materials, opening new possibilities for clinical use.

Cellulose is a crucial renewable polymer widely utilized in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries because of its natural abundance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, hydrophilicity, antimicrobial properties, and ease of fabrication. Despite its potential, the application of microcrystalline cellulose and its modified derivatives as supports for catalysts and reagents in three-component condensation reactions (3C-CR) in pharmaceutical research, particularly in medicinal chemistry and drug manufacturing, is still underexplored and inadequately categorized. This chapter reviews key 3C-CR reactions, including the Betti, Biginelli, Kabachnik-Fields, Hantzsch, Passerini, Povarov, and Strecker reactions. Recognizing the significance of green chemistry in sustainable medicinal chemistry, the discussion underscores the role of cellulose-based catalysts and modified cellulose-based reagents in these reactions. Additionally, the chapter examines their structural classification, physicochemical properties, and related chemical processes in synthesizing drug-like molecules and innovative cellulose-based biomaterials.

Novel cellulose-based matrix products in plastic surgery promote tissue repair, wound healing, and soft tissue regeneration. Natural polysaccharide cellulose is non-toxic, biodegradable, and versatile, making it perfect for medical usage. This paper examines advances in cellulose-based matrix technology and its benefits and limitations. Due to its purity, structural stability, and moisture retention, bacterial cellulose (BC) seems promising for medicine. Plant-derived cellulose must be processed extensively to be sterile and compatible with human tissue. Cellulose bioengineering allows surgical matrices with regulated porosity, tensile strength, and degradation rates. In reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, cellulose-based polymers are useful. Cellulose matrices moisturize wounds, re-epithelialize, and reduce scars, improving aesthetics. Temporary wound coverings that encourage cell proliferation and angiogenesis assist in treating chronic wounds, burns, and donor sites in skin graft surgeries. Antibacterial cellulose formulations reduce surgical and traumatic wound infection risks. Cellulose scaffolds aid cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, making them suitable for breast and face reconstruction. Recent research has incorporated growth factors, antibiotics, and nanoparticles into cellulose matrices to increase their therapeutic benefits. Advanced wound healing, inflammation, and vascularization can maximize complex wound treatment. Crosslinking agents have also made cellulose matrices more durable for load-bearing or high-movement areas like plastic surgery face and joints. Cellulose-based products offer potential, but degradation rates and biocompatibility are problems. In vitro investigations show promise, but in vivo and clinical trials are needed to standardize their use in various surgical settings. High-quality medical-grade cellulose matrices must be affordable and scalable for clinical application. Finally, cellulose matrix products are a breakthrough in plastic surgery biomaterials, providing wound dressings and tissue scaffolds for regeneration and cosmetic enhancement. Optimizing their properties, mixing bioactive chemicals, and conducting extensive clinical trials to show their usefulness and safety in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures are underway. As technology advances, cellulose-based matrices could replace synthetic materials in plastic surgery and enhance outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Polymers represent a critical category of excipients employed in contemporary pharmaceutical technology, significantly contributing to the formulation of therapeutic dosage forms. Cellulose derivatives exhibit distinct physicochemical properties, including swellability, viscosity, biodegradability, pH sensitivity, and mucoadhesion, which influence their application in the formulation of diverse dosage forms. Biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioavailable excipients, notably cellulose and its derivatives, are crucial for drug delivery systems. These materials have been extensively researched for their distinctive encapsulating and binding capabilities, along with their ecologically sustainable attributes. They are often employed in continuous or regulated medication delivery systems. Cellulose and its derivatives typically modify the solubility and gelling properties of pharmaceuticals, resulting in diverse approaches to control drug release profiles. This chapter offers a brief summary of what is currently understood about the chemistry and structure of common cellulose derivatives and their use in drug delivery systems. The development of new cellulose-derived materials for sustained drug delivery, such as micro-cellulose (MC) and nano-cellulose (NC), is also addressed.

Cellulose is a biopolymer that is abundant, biodegradable, and renewable. Cellulose is a preferred material in biosensor development due to its properties such as biocompatibility, chemical structure versatility, and mechanical durability. When cellulose and nanocellulose are included in sensor modification, the sensitivity, selectivity, and environmental friendliness of the sensor are enhanced, thereby improving its overall performance. Cellulose-modified sensors are widely used in many areas such as health, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Cellulose-modified biosensors benefit from the material’s capacity to immobilize biomolecules, including enzymes, antibodies, and nucleic acids, thus enhancing biosensor performance through improved molecular recognition, catalytic activity, and signal transduction. The two basic forms of nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibrils (long and thin cellulose derivatives) and nanocrystals (shorter and more regular cellulose particles), have unique properties such as larger surface area, greater possibilities for chemical and physical interactions, higher aspect ratio, and improved mechanical and optical properties. Cellulose-modified sensors are effective in detecting substances such as pathogens, toxins, and environmental contaminants. Furthermore, cellulose’s inherent biodegradability and low toxicity enable the design of disposable and environmentally friendly sensor devices, addressing the growing demand for sustainable solutions in biosensing. This paper synthesizes the latest progress in cellulose-modified biosensors, discussing fabrication strategies, sensing mechanisms, and integration with nanomaterials, as well as emerging applications in point-of-care diagnostics and wearable sensors. The exploration of cellulose-based materials in biosensing not only contributes to the development of sensitive and selective detection tools but also promotes sustainable and scalable approaches for rapid, portable biomolecular analysis in real-world settings.

In recent years, there has been increased efforts on the development of innovative cellulose-based materials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial cellulose (BC), among others, gaining much interest as potential sustainable platforms for the incorporation of antibacterial agents toward biomedical applications. These materials are obtained from the highly abundant natural cellulose and showcased enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and chemical surface functionalization. These properties facilitate the incorporation of antimicrobial active ingredients such as metal ions (e.g., copper, silver, and zinc), nanoparticles (e.g. silver and gold), or molecular compounds (e.g., antibiotics, antiseptics, and antifungals). This study investigates the recently reported applications of functionalized cellulose-based materials loaded with antimicrobial actives ingredients, as alternative strategies against bacterial infections. These cellulose materials are suitable for a broad scope of applications, ranging from biomedical relevant with wound dressings, medical coatings, all the way to healthcare with water purification and pathogen-resistant packaging. Furthermore, the versatile surface modification and green syntheses associated with cellulose-based materials as delivery systems support their appeal as sustainable antimicrobial strategy. Collectively, these wide range of cellulose materials showcased effective antimicrobial activity and increased stability, while preserving great biocompatibility with living tissues. Thus, corroborating the potential suitability and applicability of cellulose-based materials as effective antibacterial treatment for applications in healthcare and biomedical sectors. Herein, this review summarizes recently developed cellulose-based antibacterial materials, highlighting their synthesis methods, reported results, and their relevancy to multiple antimicrobial applications within the biomedical sector.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) or bacterial cellulose (BC) is a precious biomaterial with some special characteristics, therefore extremely useful in a wide range of biomedical fields, exclusively in biomedical applications, especially tissue engineering. In this chapter, there is an extensive discussion of BNC-based composite starting from bacterial strains, biosynthesis processes, metabolic pathway, properties and BNC-based composites. Physical and chemical characteristics of BNC, including high purity, biocompatibility, mechanical properties and water adsorption, are addressed, which are useful characteristics for tissue regeneration. Modifications of BNC and its functionalities such as by chemical modification, 3D bioprinting and hybridization with other biomaterials have been approached for particular biomedical applications. These methods not only improve the mechanical strength and architecture of BNC composites but also affect their biodegradability and biocompatibility, which can be used for tissue regeneration. In addition, this chapter reviews the use of BNC in fields of tissue engineering, including its uses in bone, cartilage, skin, vascular and urethral tissue engineering. Finally, this chapter is discussed on an overview of future trends and challenges in BNC-based biomaterials in tissue engineering application.

Cellulose is a polysaccharide obtained from generally plant sources. Most preferred cellulose type for medical devices is bacterial cellulose which produced by microorganisms offers higher mechanical strength and water retention capacity. Their provision of moisture to environment resulted from their high water retention capacity which also supports wound healing properties. In relation to this, their usage in areas such as wound dressings and tissue engineering has grown substantially. Additionally, cellulose is an environmentally friendly material due to its biodegradable properties. This feature offers a safe alternative in medical devices. Thanks to their biodegradable properties and biocompatibility, cellulose-based medical devices are cutting-edge area in modern medicine. These areas are such as tissue engineering, wound care, and drug delivery systems. Cellulose-based dressings support the rapid healing of wounds while the risk of infection is also reduced. High water retention capacity catalyzes healing with a moist environment. Cellulose plays a fundamental role in tissue engineering applications by offering structural support: scaffold for cell growth. Recent studies proceed to enhance the performance and safety of cellulose-based medical devices. Studies about bacterial celluloses are the proof of the high potential in medical applications. In addition, variety of studies have demonstrated that new compounds obtained by the modification of cellulose can enhance the performance of medical devices. Hence, cellulose-based medical devices offer both environmentally friendly and effectively suitable option for biomedical applications. Progress in this field is creating opportunities for more sustainable and impactful health solutions in the process of time.

Hemostasis and wound healing are fundamental biological processes crucial for restoring tissue integrity following injury. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of cellulose-based hemostatic agents, highlighting their innovative applications in modern wound care. Cellulose, a natural polysaccharide, exhibits unique properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, making it an ideal candidate for enhancing hemostatic efficacy. The chapter discusses the intricate phases of hemostasis, including vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and coagulation, alongside the cellular mechanisms involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling. Recent advancements in cellulose technology, particularly the development of nanocellulose composites and hybrid materials, have significantly improved the performance of hemostatic agents. These innovations not only facilitate rapid clot formation but also enhance antimicrobial activity and enable controlled drug delivery. Furthermore, the emergence of smart wound dressings that respond to physiological stimuli exemplifies the potential of cellulose-based materials in personalized medicine. The chapter also addresses the limitations of traditional hemostatic agents, such as biocompatibility issues and biodegradability concerns, emphasizing the advantages of cellulose-derived solutions as sustainable alternatives. By integrating material science with regenerative medicine, cellulose-based hemostatic agents represent a paradigm shift in wound care strategies, offering dynamic solutions for trauma management and chronic wound healing. This work ultimately underscores the transformative role of cellulose in advancing clinical practices and improving patient outcomes in wound care.

Today, in the era of modern medicine, the sustained drug delivery is a major challenge, as conventional delivery approaches like oral, intravenous and transdermal have various shortcomings. Traditional delivery avenues affect the bioavailability, specific target location, immunogenicity, efficacy, cytotoxicity and safety of the drug, which leads to administration of multiple or high amounts of drug doses resulting in low to severe magnitudes of medical complications to the patients. Sustained drug delivery systems using the biopolymers as medium are promising materials as they can overcome the sudden release, enhancing efficacy and safety of drugs. One such polymer is cellulose, which is the most abundant polysaccharide and is procured from different sources like plants, wood, bacteria, algae and chordate animals such as tunicates. Cellulose and its derivatives have charmed the researchers, by several exclusive attributes such as functionality, high mechanical robustness and flexibility, high surface area, optical transparency, low density and biodegradability. The porosity and interconnectivity between cellulose-based polymeric formulations can be controlled for relevant biomedical applications. The commonly existing cellulosic derivatives are cellulose ethers and cellulose esters. Despite several unique features, cellulose has some limitations like low solubility, sensitivity to moisture and susceptibility to microbes, which pose challenges like optimal drug delivery, sustained release, hemocompatibility, immunogenicity, off-target toxicity and biodegradability. This chapter will address the overview of cellulose-based biomaterials, their modifications and characteristics and role in various promising therapeutics in the field of biomedicine.

Chapter will look at new cutting-edge methods of corneal regeneration, with a focus on the use of bioscaffolds to treat various corneal diseases. Several pathologies can damage the cornea, including infections, hereditary illnesses, degeneration, trauma, and dry eye syndrome. Treatments used, such as corneal transplants and artificial corneas, have severe drawbacks, including donor shortages and immunological rejection. Study investigates the enormous potential of bioscaffolds, which are designed to replicate the native extracellular matrix and assist cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, bioscaffolds can be employed to transport medications and stem cells. The mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of many materials are reviewed, including natural polymers such as collagen and chitosan, as well as synthetic polymers. Electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, hydrogel formulations, and decellularization are among the fabrication techniques being tested for their ability to produce effective bioscaffolds. The chapter also discusses several functionalization options for improving scaffold performance, such as surface modification and the addition of growth agents and nanoparticles. The integration of stem cells, particularly limbal, mesenchymal, and induced pluripotent stem cells, with bioscaffolds appears to be a potential technique for corneal tissue engineering. Despite advances, other difficulties such as immunogenicity, scaffold design, and the requirement for specific manufacturing methods must also be addressed.

Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase process that involves hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling to restore skin integrity and function. Effective wound management, especially in controlling bleeding and promoting tissue regeneration, remains a critical challenge in clinical care. Cellulose-based hemostatic agents have gained attention for their role in wound healing due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form highly absorbent hydrogels. The use of hemostatic agents is crucial in preventing substantial blood loss and reducing the risk of death from excessive bleeding during surgical procedures or in emergency situations. These agents, derived from natural cellulose or modified nanocellulose, exhibit excellent fluid retention, structural stability, and the capacity to promote clotting, making them valuable in bleeding control. Furthermore, oxidized cellulose is a highly effective biodegradable and biocompatible derivative of cellulose, making it one of the most widely used hemostatic agents in surgical procedures. Moreover, the hemostatic properties of cellulose-based materials can be further enhanced through chemical modifications and incorporation of bioactive compounds, leading to improved antibacterial activity and accelerated healing. By creating a moist environment, these agents not only support cell proliferation but also reduce the risk of infection. This chapter reviews the design, mechanisms, and applications of cellulose-based hemostatic agents in wound care, highlighting recent innovations and their impact on enhancing wound healing outcomes.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has transformed biomedical applications, offering precise control over complex structures. Among various biopolymers, cellulose has gained significant attention because of its renewability, biocompatibility, and tunable features. Cellulose-based bio-inks exhibit favorable mechanical stability and printability, making them good contenders for wound healing, tissue engineering (TE), and drug delivery. Study aims to explore the improvements in cellulose-based 3D printing, highlighting its biomedical uses. Recent developments in cellulose-derived bio-inks have enhanced their printability and functional performance. Nanocellulose, cellulose derivatives, and composite hydrogels have been utilized to fabricate scaffolds with improved biocompatibility and mechanical integrity. TE applications have established the potential of cellulose-based constructs in regenerating bone, cartilage, and wound tissues. Additionally, 3D-printed cellulose hydrogels have been explored for drug delivery, enabling sustained as well as targeted release of therapeutics. Boundaries like poor mechanical strength, scalability issues, and complex post-processing techniques hinder widespread adoption despite these advancements. Emerging technologies like 4D printing and multi-material bioprinting hold promise for overcoming these challenges. Cellulose-based 3D printing signifies a sustainable and advanced method for application in the biomedical field. Further research on bio-ink formulations, crosslinking strategies, and high-resolution printing techniques is essential to unlock its full potential for clinical and industrial use.