The effects of lignin source and extraction on the composition and properties of biorefined depolymerization products

Abstract

We explore the efficacy of depolymerization as a function of lignin source and extraction method under the conditions of a biorefinery based on a microbial electrolysis cell. Biomass source (i.e....

Tailoring lignin nanoparticle properties: the effects of pH and salt on shape and antioxidant capacity

“…Hence, the greater the LNP surface area, the greater the amount of exposed phenolic groups and the greater the antioxidant capacity. 9,17,18 It is worth noting that the antioxidant capacity of the carbonate based LNP is consistent with the antioxidant capacity of the industrial standard, Trolox. The spherical LNPs formed by phosphate salts have the second highest antioxidant capacity.…”

“…We typically conduct all our measurements, except solubilization, on uncentrifuged samples. 8,9 Our aim is to characterize the mixture as a whole and demonstrate its potential in industrial applications without separation or purification. Given differences in LNP characteristics and antioxidant capacity among conditions, however, it is likely that some fraction of bulk phenolic and flavonoid content is associated with the colloidal fraction of lignin depolymerization mixtures.…”

“…The following properties were measured with UV-vis spectroscopy (Eppendorf BioSpectrometer): soluble lignin, total phenolic content, total avonoid content, antioxidant capacity. These methods were previously described in Obrzut et al 8,9 Total phenolic content and total avonoid content were also measured aer a series of ltrations for select experiments using PTFE lters with pore sizes 400 nm, 200 nm, and 100 nm.…”

“…We typically conduct all our measurements, except solubilization, on uncentrifuged samples. 8,9 Our aim is to characterize the mixture as a whole and demonstrate its potential in industrial applications without separation or purication.…”

“…8 Additionally, the product mixture had a high antioxidant capacity (IC 50 = 34 mg L −1 ). 9 Lignin nanoparticles are non-toxic, biodegradable, inexpensive, and stable. These characteristics make LNPs favorable alternatives to carbon-based nanoparticles for a variety of uses such as drug delivery, hydrogels, sunscreen, food additives, and tissue repair.…”