Nanocellulose as an Avenue for Drug Delivery Applications: A Mini-Review

A controlled and sustained release of an accurate dose of medications into a system can cure diseases associated with the human body. Different potential drug delivery vehicles, which are biocompatible and non-toxic, have been synthesized and developed for the controlled release of drugs targeting specific organs or areas. A delivery agent procured from sustainable sources with less or no side effects is more advantageous in terms of compatibility and toxicity. Among a few bioresources, one such material obtained is the nanocellulose-based drug delivery vehicle. They are ideal for the transport and release of drugs since they are biocompatible and possess good mechanical properties. A major characteristic feature of nanocellulose is that different surface modifications are possible due to the presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups, which can strengthen the interactions required with the therapeutic drug for delivery. Pharmaceutical drugs can strongly bind to the nanocellulose material through electrostatic interactions, and the release can occur in a sustained manner to the target within a few minutes to several days. In this mini-review, we have tried to summarize some of the most important works carried out in the field of nanocellulose-based drug delivery, different types of nanocellulose, its surface modification possibilities, and delivery of medications through three main routes, oral, transdermal, and topical, that have been reported to be effective.