Cellulose, known as the most abundant natural polymer, has renewability, good film-forming, biodegradability, safety, non-toxicity, etc. It can serve as an excellent carrier or substrate for antibacterial agents. In recent years, cellulose antibacterial membranes have become a research hotspot of new antibacterial materials. Cellulose-based antimicrobial films are extensively applied because of their impressive biocompatibility, antimicrobial performance, and other advantages. They are expected to be an effective alternative to petroleum-based antibacterial films. Therefore, the review focuses on the recent progress in cellulose-based antimicrobial films. First, the most widely used antimicrobial agents are described, along with their antibacterial mechanisms. Secondly, the latest research progress on cellulose-based antimicrobial membranes is summarized from the perspective of cellulose-based materials. The fabrication methods of cellulose-based antimicrobial films are then concluded. Finally, the recent advances in the application of cellulose-based antimicrobial film in food packaging, biomedicine, and water treatment are outlined. Moreover, the prospects are made for the study of cellulose-based antimicrobial films.

Developing antibacterial and biodegradable cellulose acetate (CA) membrane materials is one of the main challenges in multiple application fields. CA membrane materials are widely used in gas purification, water purification, and biomedical fields due to their environmental friendliness, high chemical and mechanical stability, excellent processability, and low cost. However, antibacterial modification of CA membrane materials to enhance their utilization value in the application process has always been the direction of researchers' efforts. This review focuses on the preparation and application of antibacterial CA and its derivatives membranes, especially the types and introduction methods of antibacterial agents. First, a brief introduction of CA-based polymer membranes is presented, followed by an overview of the antibacterial agent types and their introduction methods, and antibacterial mechanisms. After that, various membranes prepared using CA-based polymers as the main matrix or as additives are discussed. Then, specific applications of antibacterial CA-based membrane materials in water purification, gas purification, biomedical, food packaging, and other fields are outlined.

Development of renewable and biodegradable plastics with good properties, such as the gas barrier, UV-shielding, solvent resistance, and antibacterial activity, remains a challenge. Herein, cellulose/ZnO based bioplastics were fabricated by dissolving cellulose carbamate in an aqueous solution of NaOH/Zn(OH)42-, followed by coagulation in aqueous Na2SO4 solution, and subsequent hot-pressing. The carbamate groups detached from cellulose, and ZnO which transformed from cosolvent to nanofiller was uniformly immobilized in the cellulose matrix during the dissolution/regeneration process. The appropriate addition of ZnO (below 10.67 wt%) not only improved the mechanical properties but also enhanced the water and oxygen barrier properties of the material. Additionally, our cellulose/ZnO based bioplastic demonstrated excellent UV-blocking capabilities, increased water contact angle, and enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, deriving from the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the material exhibited resistance to organic solvents such as acetone, THF, and toluene. Indeed, the herein developed cellulose/ZnO based bioplastic presents a promising candidate to replace petrochemical plastics in various applications, such as plastic toys, anti-UV guardrails, window shades, and oil storage containers, offering a combination of favorable mechanical, gas barrier, UV-blocking, antibacterial, and solvent-resistant properties.

The release of harmful organic dyes from different industries besides its degradation products is a major contributor to environmental contamination. The catalytic reduction of these organic pollutants using nanocomposites based on polymeric material presents potential advantages for the environment. In this study, novel nanocomposite based on cellulose acetate (CA)-derived from discharged cigarette butts and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was prepared utilizing a very simple and low-cost solution blending method and used as support for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). A simple reduction method was used to anchor different percentages of Ag NPs on the ZnO@CA nanocomposite surface via utilizing sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The Ag-ZnO@CA nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The TEM analysis showed spherical Ag NPs, with an average diameter of ∼17.6 nm, were uniformly anchored on the ZnO@CA nanocomposite surface. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated as catalysts for the reduction of organic dyes in water. It was found that 10 % Ag-ZnO@CA nanocomposite showed a remarkable reduction of Rhodamine B (RhB), Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), Methylene Blue (MB), and Sunset Yellow (SY) dyes in short time. In the presence of this nanocomposite, the rate constant, kapp values for RhB, Rh6G, MB, and SY were 0.3498 min-1, 1.51 min-1, 0.2292 min-1, and 0.733 min-1, respectively. This nanocomposite was recovered and reused in five successive cycles, with a negligible loss of its activity. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, this study directed attention on recycling of waste material to a valuable nanocomposite and its applications in environmental protection.