Advantages of natural fiber composites for biomedical applications: a review of recent advances

Abstract Currently, the use of natural fibers as reinforcements in composites offers several advantages, such as a decline in materials derived from non-renewable resources and a reduction in the effects on the environment. These substances have been effectively utilized in the fields of tissue engineering, wound care, drug delivery, and nanotechnology as hydrogels, scaffolding, matrices, and implantation. In terms of implants and other medical technology, biomaterials significantly contribute to the revolutionizing of human existence. Fundamentally, these materials must be extremely biocompatible and unaffected by physiological conditions in humans. Nevertheless, biodegradability is also a drawback of natural materials, as they cannot be as long-lasting as conventional artificial substances and are more prone to wear and tear because of their close contact with human tissue. Because the efficacy of a medical device depends on its suitability and capacity to perform the desired operation, selecting the appropriate material is crucial when developing a medical device. Therefore, by emphasizing modern advances in natural materials and applications, this study aims to emphasize both the fundamental characteristics of natural fibers and recent developments in the biomedical field. Finally, the impact of these implant materials on improving human life is also discussed.