Chapter 5: Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, and Biomedical Applications of Cellulose-Based Hydrogels

The cellulose-based hydrogels have received immense interest for various biomedical applications owing to their unique structural, physico-chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. This chapter provides an overview of different cellulose-dissolving systems, cellulose derivatives, cellulose nanostructures, and cellulose-producing microorganisms, with emphasis on the fabrication, properties, and biomedical applications of cellulose-based hydrogels. Further, it highlights the current developments of the latest synthesis methods and technologies, such as 3D and 4D printing, inspired from the naturally occurring biomaterials or soft/hard tissues with numerous excellent properties, to fabricate cellulose-based hydrogels with a highly ordered microstructure, to further improve their properties and applications.