New TAPPI Webinar Explores the Future of Cellulose in High-Value Healthcare Applications

The pulp and paper industry has long been a cornerstone of material innovation, but its potential reaches far beyond traditional applications. TAPPI’s free webinar, High-Value Healthcare Applications of Cellulose: Unlocking New Opportunities, on April 9, from 9 to 10 a.m., will explore how cellulose—a naturally occurring polymer—can be engineered into high-value biomedical materials.

The session will highlight cellulose’s unique chemical properties and biocompatibility, making it an ideal candidate for advanced healthcare applications. The presentation will cover its role in tissue engineering scaffolds, controlled drug release systems, and diagnostic platforms. Additionally, recent research on modifying cellulose to enhance its bioactivity and performance will be discussed, showcasing how traditional processing techniques can be adapted for cutting-edge medical advancements.

By leveraging cellulose’s inherent properties, the pulp and paper industry has a unique opportunity to expand into the rapidly growing biomedical sector. This shift not only diversifies the industry’s applications but also strengthens its position in material innovation.

The webinar will be presented by Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Principal Investigator at the Bio Nano Advanced Health Materials Group at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on developing sustainable bio-based materials for advanced health applications, including regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. With a Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials from Auburn University and extensive expertise in nanomaterials and biopolymer surface chemistry, Gomez-Maldonado brings valuable insight into the future of cellulose-based biomedical materials.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize the potential uses of cellulose in biomedicine
  • Identify surface chemistry principles relevant to biomedical applications

This webinar is a must-attend for professionals in the pulp and paper industry, biomedical research, and material science who are interested in exploring new frontiers for cellulose-based materials.

To register, visit https://tappi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Tq5i5zSVS8-Fp9fwbns08g#/registration.