Birch-wood nanocellulose: a sustainable material for life science and clinical applications

 

Nanocellulose is a remarkable material that can be derived from various sources, such as plants, bacteria, algae, or animal-based tunicate. However, not all nanocellulose is created equal. 

Our nanofibrillar cellulose is made of only birch wood and water, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Moreover, it is biocompatible and has a high water retention capability. Our research has shown that birch wood is the most suitable wood for producing nanocellulose, as it allows cells to grow and thrive without rejecting the material. Nanocellulose from birch wood is the future of life science and clinical applications, and we are excited to share our findings with you. 

Our birch-wood nanofibrillar cellulose is... 

  • Sustainable
  • Biocompatible
  • Animal-free
  • ISO13485 certified

and it has...

  • High water retention capability
  • Batch-to-batch consistent production
  • Fiber dimensions ~20-100nm x ​10-50μm
  • More than 400 patents
 

From cellulose to nanofibrillar cellulose

 

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer found on earth. Cellulose consists of fibres that are made up of many glucose units that are linked together by β 1 → 4 glycosidic bonds. Cellulose structure has many hydroxyl groups that can form hydrogen bonds, which enables cellulose high water retaining. Cellulose can be sourced from wood, plants, bacteria, algae, and tunicates. Cellulose has been used widely in different applications, such as paper, biofuels, and biomedical applications like our nanofibrillar cellulose is used for.

 

What is nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC)?

In nanofibrillar cellulose the glucose unit links are shorter and smaller, making the fiber dimensions roughly 20-100nm x ​10-50μm.

Our NFC is made of birch wood, and we are the first in the world to manufacture plant-based nanofibrillar cellulose in accordance with ISO13485. 

 

Why NFC is excellent for biomedical applications:

Life Science

  • Animal-free
  • Biocompatible
  • Available in large quantities
  • Reproducible, consistent product batches
  • Temperature-stable for working in room temperature
  • Shear-thinning material
  • Enzymatically degradable

Clinical

  • Biocompatible
  • High water-retention rate
  • Provides moist environment
  • Animal-free
 

Nanofibrillar cellulose can be used for… 

 

...and it is available in three different forms

 

Hydrogel

Dressing

Credit: Prof. Marjo Yliperttula's research group, University of Helsinki

Freeze-dried

 

Make your own biomedical products from our raw material or buy our stock-ready products