Frankincense in Material Science and Engineering: Functional Applications, Economic Considerations and Sustainability Perspectives

Frankincense, a natural resin obtained from Boswellia species, has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine and has attracted significant attention in biomedical applications owing to its vast therapeutic effects. While many studies and reviews have reported its pharmacological and biomedical applications, its potential in broader engineering domains and material science remains less explored. In biomedical engineering, frankincense-based compounds have been successfully incorporated into several matrices including hydrogels, nanomaterials, scaffolds, coatings for tissue engineering, food preservation and functional textiles. Frankincense has also exhibited significant potential as a functional component in engineering materials and environmental applications including its significant effects as a green corrosion inhibitor, drilling-fluid modifier and adsorbent materials. This review also highlights the economic aspects of frankincense utilization by evaluating and comparing its production, market value and scalability with other natural resin and gums. Additionally, environmental and sustainability factors associated with frankincense production, harvesting practices and resource availability have also been discussed. Overall, this review provides an overview of frankincense’s potential in diverse engineering applications and highlights the transition of frankincense from a traditional medicinal resin to a promising bio-based material for biomedical, material and environmental engineering applications.