A method is provided for providing sustained, controlled, or
prolonged release of a compound of interest, such as a
biomolecule or
drug. The method includes incubating the compound of interest together with mercerized decellularized
cellulose particles for a predetermined incubation time to enable the mercerized decellularized
cellulose particles to absorb the compound of interest. The method then includes modifying the physical or chemical properties of the decellularized particles to induce, alter, enable, or influence the sustained, controlled, or
prolonged release of the compound of interest. Mercerized decellularized particles and formulations for sustained, controlled, or
prolonged release of the compound of interest are also provided.