<p>Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving a series of intricate cellular events. Despite significant advances in our understanding of these mechanisms and the development of various wound management products, achieving optimal wound healing remains a major challenge in healthcare. Wounds and burn injuries cause not only severe physical trauma but also considerable social and economic burdens for patients. Conventional dressings, such as gauze and bandages, are limited by their vulnerability to infections and other complications. In contrast, recent innovations in cellulose-based wound dressings particularly those incorporating cellulose nanomaterials, have demonstrated great potential in addressing these limitations. Nanocellulose is commonly available in different forms, such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which can be functionalized with metal oxide nanoparticles like zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO). This comprehensive review highlights recent advancements in the development of cellulose nanomaterial-based dressings, with an emphasis on metal oxide nanohybrid integration. It also discusses the crucial role of biocompatible polymers in enhancing the mechanical strength and adhesive properties of these dressings. Furthermore, the review outlines potential applications and future directions of bacterial cellulose-based wound dressing biomaterials, underscoring their promise to transform wound care paradigms.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>