Combination of polylactide with cellulose for biomedical applications: a recent overview

This review summarizes the use of cellulose and polylactide for medical applications with particular emphasis on modern dressings. Although classic cotton and viscose dressings are still available and popular, the usefulness of new forms of cellulose (Cel) and its derivatives opens new wound treatment options. Therefore, trends in functionalizing traditional cellulose dressings, including products made of bacterial cellulose, and dressings from cellulose derivatives, are discussed. Polylactide (PLA), in turn, is a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester that fulfills plenty of tasks in many medical fields, from surgery to modern diagnostic methods. However, polylactide dressings can still be advantageous to the market. Thus, the next part of the article contains a recent update of available knowledge about PLA and its applications in regenerative medicine and drug-delivery systems. The last part is devoted to the possibilities of combining both materials in dressings and related problems and benefits. Methods for compatibilization with the surface of both polymers and new techniques for producing Cel/PLA composite materials are also described.