Advanced applications of cellulose-based composites in fighting bone diseases

Bone diseases, such as bone defects, cartilage damage, osteomyelitis, and osteoporosis, are a primary focus area in current research. Cellulose and its derivatives, the most abundant polysaccharide on Earth, have been widely used to prepare the bio-composites for bone and cartilage tissue engineering due to their excellent bio-properties. Despite the remarkable efficacy of cellulose and its derivatives composites on bones, multiple shortcomings, such as slow degradation of the cellulose sponge and tight packaging of the bacterial cellulose nanofiber layer, result in insufficient scaffold pore size, making it difficult for cells to penetrate. Therefore, it is essential to improve the properties of cellulose and its derivatives and improve their application in treating bone diseases. This paper reviews the applications of three types of nanocellulose (cellulose nanocrystals, bacterial cellulose, and cellulose nanofibers) and their derivatives in bone tissue composites. Moreover, we review these materials for bone disease treatments, including bone defect repair, cartilage regeneration, osteomyelitis, and osteoporosis.