A.S. Norfarhana, H.A.A. Azriena, H.S.N. Hawanis, R.A. Ilyas, L. Rajeshkumar, Willy Artha Wirawan, Ashraf Azmi, Rudi Dungani, Pingkan Aditiawati, Nasmi Herlina Sari, Muhammad Yusuf, Mochamad Asrofi, Muhammad Ghozali
Nanocellulose is a promising biomaterial for the development of next-generation functional materials due to its biodegradability, low density, and excellent mechanical strength. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of nanocellulose classifications, including cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofiber, and bacterial nanocellulose, and explores their potential applications across multiple sectors, such as sustainable packaging, biomedical devices, flexible electronics, energy storage systems, and environmental remediation. Recent innovations, including 3D printing, surface modification, and hybrid system development, have further expanded the material’s applicability. Despite its significant potential, widespread adoption of nanocellulose remains limited by high production costs, challenges in material integration, and unresolved regulatory and sustainability issues. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and supportive policy frameworks, nanocellulose holds substantial promise as a key enabler in the transition toward green technologies and a circular global economy. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Pagoh Education Hub, Johor, Pagoh, Malaysia; Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Skudai, Malaysia; Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Skudai, Malaysia; Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Serdang, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence for Biomass Utilization, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Perlis, Arau, Malaysia; AU-Sophisticated Testing and Instrumentation Centre, CoE- Advanced Materials Synthesis and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alliance College of Applied Engineering, Alliance University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Shah Alam, Malaysia; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Mataram, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia; Research Center for Molecular Chemistry, Banten, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia