Bacterial cellulose as a promising biodegradable bioplastic for sustainability

Fossil-based plastics pose significant threats to global ecosystems, driving the need for sustainable bioplastic alternatives. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a biodegradable biopolymer with ultrafine nanoscale network, high water retention, robust mechanical properties and biocompatibility, presents a promising sustainable solution. This review traces the evolution from non-degradable to emerging biodegradable plastics, emphasizing BC’s modification-structure-property relationships, environmental impact, techno-economic analysis and contributions in promoting a circular economy. Furthermore, this review highlights BC’s potential as a bioplastic and discusses its current limitations and viable solutions. Development of BC-based bioplastics opens avenues for addressing the material-energy-environmental challenges faced by sustainable development. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is emerging as a potential alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics. Here, the authors review BC’ s modification-structure-property relationships, environmental impact, techno-economic analysis, and contributions to promoting a circular economy, highlight BC’s potential as a bioplastic, and discuss its current limitations and viable solutions.