Plant fibers possess high strength, high fracture toughness and elasticity, and have proven useful because of their diversity, versatility, renewability, and sustainability. For biomedical applications, these natural fibers have been used as reinforcement for biocomposites to infer these hybrid biomaterials mechanical characteristics, such as stiffness, strength, and durability. The reinforced hybrid composites have been tested in structural and semi-structural biodevices for potential applications in orthopedics, prosthesis, tissue engineering, and wound dressings. This review introduces plant fibers, their properties and factors impacting them, in addition to their applications. Then, it discusses different methodologies used to prepare hybrid composites based on these widespread, renewable fibers and the unique properties that the obtained biomaterials possess. It also examines several examples of hybrid composites and their biomedical applications. Finally, the findings are summed up and some thoughts for future developments are provided. Overall, the focus of the present review lies in analyzing the design, requirements, and performance, and future developments of hybrid composites based on plant fibers.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI), or nosocomial infections, are a global health and economic problem in developed and developing countries, particularly for immunocompromised patients in their intensive care units (ICUs) and surgical site hospital areas. Recurrent pathogens in HAIs prevail over antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For this reason, natural antibacterial mechanisms are a viable alternative for HAI treatment. Natural fibers can inhibit bacterial growth, which can be considered a great advantage in these applications. Moreover, these fibers have been reported to be biocompatible and biodegradable, essential features for biomedical materials to avoid complications due to infections and significant immune responses. Consequently, tissue engineering, medical textiles, orthopedics, and dental implants, as well as cosmetics, are fields currently expanding the use of plant fibers. In this review, we will discuss the source of natural fibers with antimicrobial properties, antimicrobial mechanisms, and their biomedical applications.

The use of environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents (DES) in green synthesis of different types of nanoparticles has garnered increasing interest in recent years. The application of these materials in water treatment, mainly by adsorption or degradation, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional methodologies. However, the information about the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using DES is dispersed in the literature. This review is focused on compiling and systematizing information regarding DES-mediated NP synthesis, the application of these NPs in water treatment, and future perspectives of these technologies. DES represent an excellent alternative to traditional solvents in NP synthesis due to their low toxicity, low cost, and being environmentally friendly. The possible NP surface functionalization with DES is also attractive as it plays a pivotal role in processes related to water treatment. Modification and synthesis of carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, magnetic iron oxides, among others, for the adsorption and degradation of organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, metal ions, herbicides, pesticides, and other water contaminants found in recent literature are presented in this work. Finally, the possibility to control NP size and shape can be helpful in the design of new materials for a specific application.