Chapter 6: Nanocellulose-Based Biomaterials for Skin Tissue Repair

As a virtuous material for biomaterial fabrication, nanocellulose has been extensively explored for biomedical applications, and specifically for the repair and regeneration of skin tissue, due to its unique physico-chemical properties particularly interesting for wound healing. Owing to its high hydrophilicity, collagen-like fibrous structure, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability, it satisfies the main requirements for wound dressing application, with a chemical structure allowing for further functionalization and composite formation for the development of improved and adaptable materials. Following a brief description of skin physiology and wound healing biology, the potential of this biopolymer for the repair of skin tissue is outlined throughout this chapter, emphasizing its advantages and beneficial properties for wound healing application. Modification modalities for endowing the material with novel properties are also discussed, before addressing the various nanocellulose-incorporating biomaterials that are being proposed for wound healing application.