Celluloses as support materials for antibacterial agents: a review

The fabrication of safe, low cost and stable biocompatible antibacterial materials suitable for application in wound dressing and health sectors has been the main challenge for the researchers during the last 20 years. It has been demonstrated that naturally abundant cellulose bearing numerous readily modifiable hydroxyl groups along the chain can be good support materials for fixing antibacterial agents of both inorganic and organic origin. Additionally, strong tensile strength, biocompatible nature and favorable for application in moist environment are other suitable properties of cellulose that favor targeted transferring of immobilized antibacterial agents. However, special attention and emphasis are to be given during preparation so that the antibacterial agents supported on cellulose retain their antibacterial properties for mid to long-term application, and requisite application properties such as proper biocompatibility, strong fixation of antibacterial agents preventing leaching/leakage, color fastness, mechanical properties etc. are maintained. So far, various routes have been proposed for the preparation of cellulose based antibacterial biocomposites. Much attention has also been paid to measure the antibacterial activity but other aspects, mentioned above, are either not discussed or improperly resolved. In this review, attempt is made to find out merits and demerits in terms of performance stability, processing simplicity, cytotoxicity and efficiency in antibacterial activity, and propose new ideas for preparing more durable and efficient biocompatible antibacterial cellulose biocomposites to meet rising demand for more versatile applications.

Automated summary

Cellulose has been proven to be a good support material for fixing antibacterial agents, with strong tensile strength, biocompatibility and suitability for moist environments. Maintaining the antibacterial properties and various application characteristics during preparation is crucial. Various routes have been proposed for preparing cellulose based antibacterial biocomposites, but more attention needs to be paid to other aspects.