Advanced Cellulose-Based Gels for Wearable Physiological Monitoring: From Fiber Modification to Application Optimization

Cellulose-based hydrogels have emerged as an important player in the smart health monitoring sector due to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable properties, and sustainability. The interface modification and structural regulation can effectively improve key properties further such as mechanical strength and conductivity of cellulose-based hydrogels. Especially with the utilization of green and sustainable chemical modification techniques, the structure of cellulose can be optimized, providing new solutions for its applications in health monitoring, wound care, and intelligent response systems. Furthermore, the combination of cellulose-based hydrogels with other polymers, as well as their integration with 3D printing technology and artificial intelligence (AI), further expands their potential applications in complex architectures and intelligent functionalities. This review discusses modification strategies and performance optimization methods for cellulose-based hydrogels, analyzes their application progress in physiological signal monitoring, and explores the effects of pretreatment, crosslinking, and molding methods on gel performance. The paper aims to provide valuable insights into the efficient utilization of plant fibers and the environmentally friendly development of next-generation wearable electronic devices.