Cellulose and its derivatives: Structure, modification, and application in controlled drug delivery

Abstract Background Cellulose, one of the most abundantly available natural polymers, is highly present in the cell walls of plants. Its versatile properties such as low toxicity, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, biodegradability make it suitable for use in drug delivery systems. They can be used in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, films, and nano- or microparticles among others. Main body of abstract Cellulose-based formulations are often used as excipients also, which helps to deliver the active drug to the body and improve the drug’s stability, solubility, or bioavailability. Cellulose derivatives such as nanocellulose, ethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, bacterial cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, thiolated cellulose, phosphorylated cellulose, sulfated cellulose, and microcrystalline cellulose are commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations. Conclusion This review highlights the formulations, modifications techniques, and preparation methods of various cellulose-based drug delivery systems such as solvent evaporation, wet and dry granulation, solvent casting, electrospinning, and spray drying. It also focuses on the role of modified cellulose-based pharmaceutical formulations for controlled drug release and targeted delivery applications. The challenges and future prospective of cellulose-based drug delivery systems including the scalability and regulatory considerations are also explored.