Cellulose‐Based Nanocomposites in Drug Delivery and Antimicrobial Therapies: Emerging Innovations and Translational Outlook

ABSTRACT Cellulose‐based nanocomposites have emerged as sustainable and versatile biomaterials with promising applications in drug delivery and antimicrobial therapy. Nanocellulose, derived from plant, algal, or bacterial sources, possesses unique features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical robustness, and low cytotoxicity. The primary forms of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) exhibit distinct structural and functional advantages suitable for biomedical applications. Despite these advances, a comprehensive synthesis of their fabrication strategies, functional modifications, and biomedical performance is lacking. This review discusses recent innovations in the design and development of cellulose‐based nanocomposites, highlighting advanced fabrication techniques including electrospinning, enzymatic functionalization, self‐assembly, and surface modification. We discussed their high surface‐to‐volume ratio, tunable degradation kinetics, and extracellular matrix‐mimicking architecture, which enhance their performance as scaffolds for tissue engineering and carriers for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, their intrinsic antibacterial activity, coupled with biocompatibility, positions them as safer alternatives to metallic nanoparticles. Emerging applications in wound healing, bone and cartilage regeneration, 3D‐printed biomaterials, and medical implants are critically evaluated. By integrating material design, functionalization, and therapeutic applications, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of cellulose‐based nanocomposites as multifunctional platforms for sustained drug delivery, infection control, and next‐generation biomedical interventions.