A review of cellulose membranes and their applications in separation, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications
Subject Areas :Pegah Gusheh 1 , Lida Azimi 2 , Tahoura Mohammadzadeh Novin 3 *
1 - Pakan Plastkar R&D
2 - Pakan Plastkar R&D
3 -
Keywords: Cellulose, cellulose diacetate membrane, cellulose acetate, drug delivery, permeability,
Abstract :
Among the natural polymers that have been the focus of extensive research for the development of permeable membranes, cellulose and its derivatives are of particular interest. Among the various properties of cellulosic materials, permeability is one of the most prominent. Cellulose ester derivatives are utilized in a variety of applications due to their advantageous properties, including low toxicity and tunable permeability. These derivatives are employed in critical industrial processes, such as gas separation, the fabrication of medical membranes (e.g., for dialysis), and drug delivery systems. Leading countries in the modern industrial sector have adopted this technology. The selective and permeable properties of these materials are derived from the distinctive structural and chemical characteristics of the material itself. Research has demonstrated that the regulation of the drug release rate is achievable through the application of cellulose ester coatings, with this regulation being facilitated by chemical modification, porosity control, and the judicious selection of suitable additives. Cellulose, due to its hydroxyl groups and strong hydrogen bonding, has high tensile strength; however, it exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties, meaning its mechanical behavior varies depending on the direction of the applied force. The primary concern with cellulose-based materials pertains to their propensity for water absorption, a property that can compromise their mechanical integrity. The permeation of water vapor and oxygen through cellulosic materials has been the subject of the most studies. The factors influencing permeability properties include the source and type of cellulose, the method of membrane preparation, and dissolution parameters.
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