Applications of lignin in the agri-food industry

Of late, valorization of agri-food industrial by-products and their sustainable utilization is gaining much contemplation world-over. Globally, 'Zero Waste Concept' is promoted with main emphasis laid towards generation of minimal wastes and maximal utilization of plantbased agri-food raw materials. One of the wastes/by-products in the agri-food industry are the lignin, which occurs as lignocellulosic biomass. This biomass is deliberated to be an environmental pollutant as they offer resistance to natural biodegradation. Safe disposal of this biomass is often considered a major challenge, especially in low-income countries. Hence, the application of modern technologies to effectively reduce these types of wastes and maximize their potential use/applications is vital in the present day scenario. Nevertheless, in some of the high-income countries, attempts have been made to efficiently utilize lignin as a source of fuel, as a raw material in the paper industry, as a filler material in biopolymer based packaging and for producing bioethanol. However, as of today, agri-food industrial applications remains significantly underexplored. Chemically, lignin is heterogeneous, bio-polymeric, polyphenolic compound, which is present naturally in plants, providing mechanical strength and rigidity. Reports are available wherein purified lignin is established to possess therapeutic values; and are rich in antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic properties, etc. This chapter is divided into four sub-categories focusing on various technological aspects related to isolation and characterization of lignin; established uses of lignin; proved bioactivities and therapeutic potentials of lignin, and finally on identifying the existing research gaps followed by future recommendations for potential use from agri-food industrial wastes.Theme of this chapter is based on our ongoing project- Valortech, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 810630

Activated lignin and aminosilane-grafted silica as precursors in hybrid material production

Functional inorganic-organic hybrids were synthesized using as a precursor silica with the addition of an appropriate amount of lignin as components. Three types of silica were applied as the support: the commercial silicas Syloid 244 and Aerosil 200, and hydrated silica precipitated in a polar system. The silicon dioxide was initially functionalized with aminosilane to activate the surface, and then the silica-based material was combined with lignin oxidized using hydrogen peroxide. The obtained inorganic-organic hybrids underwent physicochemical and dispersive-morphological analysis, with comparison of the results depending on the composition of the test samples. In addition, particle size distributions were determined and the surface structure of the products assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The presence of functional groups was also determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal analysis of the silica/lignin materials was also performed, as well as the elemental and colorimetric analyses, which indirectly confirmed the correctness of the synthesis process. Hybrid materials with the most favorable dispersive and morphological properties were obtained by adding a small amount of biopolymer. The thermogravimetric analysis of the SiO2/lignin hybrids indicated their good thermal stability. With increasing quantity of lignin per 100 parts by weight of silica matrix, progressive deterioration in the thermal stability of the materials was observed

Influence of calcination parameters on physicochemical and structural properties of co-precipitated magnesium silicate

Physicochemical properties of different oxide systems depend mostly on the method of their preparation and classification, so the main aim of the study was to obtain the MgO·SiO2 hybrid in an aqueous solution and its calcination under assumed conditions. Research scope included evaluation of the effect of the basic parameters of the calcination process (time and temperature) on the structural properties of the final materials. Products obtained by the proposed method were thoroughly characterized. The chemical composition, crystalline structure, morphology and nature of the dispersion as well as parameters of the porous structure were established. The results of research in a decisive manner confirmed the possibility of designing the properties of inorganic oxide systems such as MgO·SiO2, which will definitively scheduled into potential directions for their use

Preparation and characterisation of unmodified and poly(ethylene glycol) grafted magnesium hydroxide

The method for the synthesis of either unmodified magnesium hydroxide or functionalised with poly(ethylene glycols) of different molecular weights and physicochemical properties of the products are presented. Magnesium hydroxide was obtained by the precipitation method under well defined conditions from ammonia solution and different magnesium salts. Dispersive properties of the products were characterised by polydispersity index, particle size, as well as SEM images. Crystalline structure of magnesium hydroxide samples were determined by the WAXS method. To confirm the presence of functional groups introduced by appropriate modifiers the samples were subjected to spectroscopic analysis. Electrokinetic stability of the studied samples was determined on the basis of zeta potential dependence vs. pH measurements. The modification has resulted in reduction of particle diameters in some Mg(OH)2 samples

Recent progress in biomedical and biotechnological applications of lignin-based spherical nano- and microstructures: a comprehensive review

Spherical particles based on materials of natural origin have recently gained increased attention because of their unique properties, including shape, structure, and ability to combine with other materials. Lignin has potential to be applied across multiple sectors, with recent focus on its valorization in high end application routes which favor its renewability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. The most promising findings are reported, that spherical lignin particles are a very effective carrier and delivery vehicle for active pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of various diseases, including cancers etc. Due to recent developments, lignin can be successfully used for accelerated wound healing and for growth inhibition against a variety of bacterial strains taking advantage of its inherent antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties. Notably, lignin particles are also finding opportunities in the agrochemical industry, taking advantage of a combination of properties such as high stability, composability, and the possibility of encapsulation of pesticides and fungicides without increased pollution of the environment. The presented review aims to discuss the impact of recent developments related to lignin-based spherical particles on novel biomedical and biotechnological application, which may provide guidance for future possibilities for the valorization of lignin </p

Solvothermal synthesis of hydrophobic chitin–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites

Chitinous scaffolds isolated from the skeleton of marine sponge Aplysina cauliformis were used as a template for the deposition of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). These chitin–POSS based composites with hydrophobic properties were prepared for the first time using solvothermal synthesis (pH 3, temp 80°C), and were thoroughly characterized. The resulting material was studied using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. A mechanism for the chitin-POSS interaction after exposure to these solvothermal conditions is proposed and discussed