Nanocellulose is a potential material utilized in numerous biomedical applications. However, its hydrophilic
characteristic and uncontrolled encapsulated drug release hinders nanocellulose uses in oral drug administration.
Thus, this work developed novel nanocellulose/alginate composite (CNC/Alg) beads for oral delivery and
bioavailability enhancement of a model drug, Ciprofloxacin (CIP). CNC was green synthesized employing electrolysis process from sugarcane bagasse. CNC/Alg beads were formulated by dropwise adding CNC-Alg mixture
in CaCl2 solution at room temperature. CIP was incorporated into CNC/Alg beads by adsorption technique. X-ray
diffractometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectra images showed that the beads were effectively produced
with high crystallinity of 75.5 %, and the typical bond of cellulose and alginate. Within 4 h of adsorption, CIP
loading efficiency reached 45.27 %, with 87.2 % molecules in the zwitterionic state. The adsorption followed
Elovich and pseudo-second-order models, indicating a multi-mechanism including both physical and chemical
adsorptions. Importantly, in gastrointestinal tract, the beads could protect CIP from acidic stomach environment
while releasing it sustainably in simulated intestinal condition (75.05 %). The beads also showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram(- ) and Gram(+) bacteria, as evidenced by low IC50 and minimum inhibitory
concentration values. Finally, CNC/Alg beads could improve CIP bioavailability for effective oral drug delivery
route.