Nature-Inspired Cellulose-Based Active Materials: From 2D to 4D

Abstract

Multifunctional materials and devices with captivating properties can be assembled from cellulose and cellulose-based composite materials combining functionality with structural performance. Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable materials with captivating properties, such as mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Cellulose is a low-cost and abundant biodegradable resource, CO2 neutral, with a wide variety of fibers available all over the world. Over thousands of years, nature has perfected cellulose-based materials according to their needs, such as function vs. structure. Mimicking molecular structures at the nano-, micro-, and macroscales existing in nature is a great strategy to produce synthetic cellulose-based active materials. A concise background of cellulose and its structural organization, as well as the nomenclature of cellulose nanomaterials, are first addressed. Key examples of nature-designed materials with unique characteristics, such as “eternal” coloration and water-induced movement are presented. The production of biomimetic fiber and 2D fiber-based cellulosic materials that have attracted significant attention within the scientific community are represented. Nature-inspired materials with a focus on functionality and response to an external stimulus are reported. Some examples of 3D-printed cellulosic materials bioinspired, reported recently in the literature, are addressed. Finally, printed cellulosic materials that morph from a 1D strand or 2D surface into a 3D shape, in response to an external stimulus, are reported. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent developments in the field of “nature-inspired” cellulose-based active materials regarding design, manufacturing, and inspirational sources that feature existing tendencies.

Cross-Sectional 4D-Printing: Upscaling Self-Shaping Structures with Differentiated Material Properties Inspired by the Large-Flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora)

“…In essence, mesostructures act as coded programs that dictate self-shaping. Much of the existing literature on self-shaping is inspired by plant motions [13][14][15][16], which are driven by slow water displacement processes between cells and tissues, including reversible turgor changes, hygroscopic reactions or irreversible growth, and/or the rapid release of elastic energy (prestress) previously stored in the motile structures [17]. Plants are able to perform a variety of motions based on deformation processes, such as bending [18], twisting [19], coiling [20], snap through [21], and explosive bursting [22].…”

Cellulose-Based Metallogels—Part 2: Physico-Chemical Properties and Biological Stability

“…[ 3 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In this regard, metallogels based on natural polymers, for instance, lignin [ 14 , 15 ], chitosan [ 16 , 17 ], or cellulose [ 18 , 19 ], which have such industrially favorable properties, such as wide availability, low cost, renewability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, are of particular interest [ 20 ].…”

Fast and easy synthesis of silver, copper, and bimetallic nanoparticles on cellulose paper assisted by ultrasound

“…Once dispersed in a solvent, its compression and drying render it to form thin and porous layer structures with many applications [53] . Currently, some applications of the paper include ( i ) hygienic activities, ( ii ) drawing or artistic development, ( iii ) packaging, ( iv ) laboratory filters [53] and ( v ) stimuli response to highly specialized materials [54] . The functionalization of cellulose paper with AgNPs and CuNPs has allowed its use in new applications such as photocatalyst [55] , bactericide membranes in medicine [56] , high-performance textiles [57] , conducting paper for electronics [58] , antibacterial and anticorrosion films [59] , membranes for water treatment [60] , antibacterial activity [61] , and food packaging [62] , among others.…”