The use of biomaterials has grown in recent years as applications in the packaging materials, automotive, construction and the biomedical fields has increased. Cellulose, the most widely available natural polymer on earth has significant potential for use in biomaterial applications because it is renewable, more environmentally friendly and less costly to produce than other biomaterial and polymer candidates. Within the biomedical field, specifically in the areas of tissue engineering and drug delivery platform design, cellulose has seen increased attention from researchers.  To fully achieve its commercial potential, current cellulose isolation and production methods (acid hydrolysis, mechanical defibrillation, bacteria-based production, solvent based wet chemistry) need to be improved. 

Rowan University investigators have developed a cellulose production process for increasing the size and crystallinity of cellulose material for stand-alone usage and when used as part of a biobased compound.  Applications for this enhanced cellulose product will be in fiber, film and gel production from plant-based cellulose materials. This method increases cellulose size by creating a cellulose/ionic compound solution, and subsequent treatment with H₂O₂ to induce coagulation for use in increasing both particle size and crystallinity. 

Competitive Advantages

• Allows for decreased cellulose material production costs.
• Provides enhanced cellulose material performance for use in a range of biomaterial products across a range of industrial sectors, including applications in the biomedical field.

Opportunity

The global biomaterials market sector was valued at $107 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach a value of $139 billion in 2022 growing at a CAGR of between 11.8-15.9%.  Much of this growth will be in the biomedical field.

Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.