A versatile method for functionalization and grafting of 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) via Click chemistry

► We report a versatile method for the modification of HEC via Click reaction. ► We use Click reaction to introduce neutral and ionic functionalities on HEC. ► We use sequential Click reaction to prepare neutral and ionic HEC containing PDMS. ► We utilize Click chemistry to graft PLA and PEG segments on HEC. ► AFM reveals oval structure for HEC but brushlike architecture for HEC-g-PLA.