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Sustainable Strategies in the Synthesis of Lignin Nanoparticles for the Release of Active Compounds: A Comparison
Author(s) -
Cailotto Simone,
Gigli Matteo,
Bonini Massimo,
Rigoni Federica,
Crestini Claudia
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.202001140
Subject(s) - lignin , nanomaterials , nanoparticle , softwood , chemistry , nanotechnology , solvent , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , materials science , composite material , engineering
Abstract The preparation of nanoparticles represents a powerful tool for lignin valorization, as it combines easy methodologies with high application potential. Different synthetic strategies and various lignin sources have been employed in the process. However, the great variability in the lignin structure prevents a direct comparison of the so far reported lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), especially as regards their physicochemical and functional properties. To this purpose, two green protocols, that is, solvent‐antisolvent and hydrotropic, were optimized and used to generate LNPs from the same softwood kraft lignin. The nanomaterials were fully characterized to extrapolate structure/property relationships and reveal any differences in the mechanism of self‐assembly. Furthermore, tests on methylene blue entrapment capacity and release behavior at two different pH values (2.0 and 7.4) evidenced a clear dependence on the LNPs characteristics and thus on the strategy adopted for their production.