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. 2024 Jun 6;16(11):1610.
doi: 10.3390/polym16111610.

Preparation and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles from Different Plant Sources

Isidora Ortega-Sanhueza  1 , Victor Girard  2 , Isabelle Ziegler-Devin  2 , Hubert Chapuis  2 , Nicolas Brosse  2 , Francisca Valenzuela  3 , Aparna Banerjee  3 , Cecilia Fuentealba  4   5 , Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas  6 , Camilo Torres  1 , Alejando Méndez  1 , César Segovia  7 , Miguel Pereira  8
Affiliations

Preparation and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles from Different Plant Sources

Isidora Ortega-Sanhueza et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

This article presents new research on producing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using the antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. Acetone (90%) served as the lignin solvent and water (100%) as the antisolvent, using five types of lignins from various sources. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, TEM, and DLS, were employed to assess both lignin and LNP properties. The antioxidant activity of the LNPs was evaluated as well. The results demonstrated the successful formation of spherical nanoparticles below 100 nm with initial lignin concentrations of 1 and 2%w/v. The study highlighted the crucial role of lignin purity in LNP formation and colloidal stability, noting that residual carbohydrates adversely affect efficiency. This method offers a straightforward, environmentally friendly approach using cost-effective solvents, applicable to diverse lignin sources. The innovation of this study lies in its demonstration of a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce stable, nanometric-sized spherical LNPs. These LNPs have significant potential as reinforcement materials due to their reinforcing capability, hydrophilicity, and UV absorption. This work underscores the importance of starting material purity for optimizing the process and achieving the desired nanometric dimensions, marking a pioneering advancement in lignin-based nanomaterials.

Keywords: antioxidant activity; characterization; lignin sources; nanoparticle preparation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Thermogravimetric analysis of TG (A), DTG (B), and DSC (C) of lignin.
Figure 2
Figure 2
FTIR spectra of different lignin samples.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Size distribution of LNPs, concentration 1%w/v.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Zeta potential of LNPs, concentration 2%w/v ((A): N-LE, (B): N-LP, (C): N-LC, and (D): N-LEB).
Figure 5
Figure 5
TEM analysis of LNP at a magnification ×30.0K. ((A): N-LE; (B): N-LP; (C): N-LC, and (D): N-LEB).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Histogram visualization of LNP particle sizes (a) and boxplot (b).
Figure 7
Figure 7
In vitro antioxidant capability of the LNPs, N-LE, N-LP, N-LC, and N-LEB (0.19% solid concentration): (A) H2O2-mediated free radical scavenging activity, and (B) ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.
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