Biodegradable Cellulose-based Hydrogels: Design and Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels are macromolecular networks able to absorb and release water solutions in a reversible manner, in response to specific environmental stimuli. Such stimuli-sensitive behaviour makes hydrogels appealing for the design of ‘smart’ devices, applicable in a variety of technological fields. In particular, in cases where either ecological or biocompatibility issues are concerned, the biodegradability of the hydrogel network, together with the control of the degradation rate, may provide additional value to the developed device. This review surveys the design and the applications of cellulose-based hydrogels, which are extensively investigated due to the large availability of cellulose in nature, the intrinsic degradability of cellulose and the smart behaviour displayed by some cellulose derivatives.

Biodegradation evaluation of bacterial cellulose, vegetable cellulose and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) in soil

“…For its biodegradation has been widely studied, using her as a comparative reference for biodegradation of other materials [17] .…”

Enhanced Absorbent Products Incorporating Cellulose and Its Derivatives: A Review

“…In particular, it has been found that carboxymethylation of fibers can greatly increase absorbency even when the treatment level is low enough to avoid solubilization of the source cellulosic material (Schuchardt and Berg 1991). As already noted, however, it is more common to employ extensive carboxymethylation of cellulose, an approach that allows use of fully soluble CMC as a basis for forming superabsorbent hydrogels through crosslinking (Zohuriaan-Mehr and Kabiri 2008;Sannino et al 2009;Chang and Zhang 2011). Carboxylic acid groups also can be attached to cellulosic fibers by means of reaction with succinic anhydride or maleic anhydride; such treatment likewise has been shown to increase absorbency (Yoshimura et al 2005(Yoshimura et al , 2006.…”

“…Absorbent hydrogels are most often prepared from hydrophilic polymers of relatively high molecular mass (Sannino et al 2009;Chang and Zhang 2011). A key step in the formation of any hydrogel is "gelation," which can be interpreted as the inter-connecting of the macromolecular chains in some manner, such that essentially the whole structure becomes linked together.…”

Preparation, properties, and antibacterial behavior of a novel cellulose derivative containing lactam groups

“…32,33 The adherence of bacteria to such surfaces can lead to the establishment of infections and the formation of complex biofilms that hinder treatment. A plausible route to reduce the risk of infections is to chemically modify material surfaces, where the modified surfaces could result in the death and/or the reduced adhesion of bacteria.…”