Open Access

REVIEW

Smart Nano-Cellulosic-Based Materials as Antiviral Agents: A Brief Insight into Scientific Advances and Functionalization Strategies

Tamer Y. A. Fahmy¹, Samir Kamel¹, Ahmed M. Khalil^2,*

1 Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
2 Photochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt

* Corresponding Author: Ahmed M. Khalil. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Advances on Renewable Materials)

Journal of Renewable Materials 2026, 14(6), 6 https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0180

Received 13 September 2025; Accepted 11 November 2025; Issue published 29 June 2026

Abstract

The growing threat of viral pandemics necessitates innovative antiviral strategies that are effective, sustainable, and scalable. This review highlights nanocellulose as a renewable, biocompatible nanomaterial and a promising multifunctional antiviral platform. We examine cellulose nanocrystals, nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose, emphasizing their synergistic antiviral mechanisms, including nanoscale viral entrapment and surface-mediated inactivation via sulfation, cationic groups, and metal nanoparticles. Key advances include photothermally active nanocellulose-graphene composites for on-demand viral deactivation, sulfated nanocellulose mimicking heparin’s virus-trapping properties, and engineered biopolymer hybrids for targeted drug delivery and mucosal immunity. Translational applications span antiviral coatings, self-sterilizing filters, and regenerative wound dressings. The review also addresses scalability and regulatory challenges, integrating computational modeling and structure-activity relationships to guide real-world implementation. Nanocellulose-based technologies offer a transformative approach to antiviral defense, merging adaptability, sustainability, and multifunctionality to meet the demands of pandemic preparedness and redefine the future of biomedical materials.

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