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• The Mannich-based curcumin-modified strategy drew inspiration from plant cell walls. • Curcumin-modified cellulose was produced with large-scale and versatile method. • This modified cellulose showed durable antimicrobial and UV-protective performance. Cellulose is a versatile and renewable material used in clinical settings for dressings, masks, and bedding. However, adding functions like UV-shielding, antiviral, and antibacterial properties can be challenging due to its poor adhesion and reduced effectiveness over time. Inspired by the natural structure of plant cell walls, we propose a scalable and versatile strategy by introducing curcumin and lysine to the cellulose surface via the Mannich reaction to achieve a durable antimicrobial and UV-protective cellulose surface. The ensuring chemical configuration was characterized through Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the modification occurred exclusively at the cellulose surface. We found curcumin-modified sulfated nanocellulose nanofibrils (CL-SCNF) entirely block ultraviolet rays at wavelengths of 200–400 nm (UVA, UVB, and UVC) while providing 82.1 % transparency in the visible spectrum. The resultant silver bonding cellulose products exhibit high antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal performance against bacterial phage-X174, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the strong coordination bonding of silver ions with the β -diketone system endows the final textiles with good washing stability, which can maintain 99 % of antimicrobial activity after repeated washing. This eco-friendly and highly scalable method for fabricating antimicrobial cellulose surfaces will be attractive to manufacturers of protective equipment and textiles, as it offers great potential for applications in a wide range of fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]