Lignin nanoparticles: Preparation strategies, surface engineering, and emerging applications-A review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) leverage lignin's aromatic, antioxidant, and UV-absorbing properties at the nanoscale.
• LNPs exhibit improved dispersibility, surface area, and compatibility compared to bulk lignin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) from a source-process-structure-performance perspective.
• To elucidate how lignin origin, fabrication, and modification influence LNP properties and performance.
• To assess emerging applications and identify challenges for industrial translation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the integrated analysis of LNP preparation, surface engineering, and applications.
• Discussion of how lignin source, isolation, fabrication route, and surface modification impact particle characteristics.
• Assessment of LNP performance in biomedical delivery, catalysis, environmental remediation, coatings, packaging, and composites.

Main Results:

• Lignin origin, isolation history, and fabrication route significantly govern LNP formation, stability, and redispersion.
• Surface modification and hybridized components critically influence functional performance.
• Emerging applications show promise but face practical limitations and require further development.

Conclusions:

• An integrated framework is proposed for the rational design and high-value utilization of lignin-based nanomaterials.
• Key challenges include feedstock heterogeneity, mechanistic understanding, reproducible manufacturing, and safety evaluation.
• LNPs represent a promising class of renewable nanomaterials with broad application potential.