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Lignin: untapped biopolymers in biomass conversion technologies

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Abstract

Lignin is the second most abundant natural aromatic polymer after cellulose in terrestrial ecosystems. Lignins differ in structure, depending on the method of isolation and plant source. However, such differences are not considered to be limiting factors for potential industrial applications. Owing to the lack of toxicity and versatility, several potentially attractive industrial routes exist for the more effective and diverse utilization of lignin. Lignins have been proven to elicit a number of health benefits, viz., anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antimicrobial, prebiotic and antioxidant. In addition, lignins have been widely utilised in polymeric materials, carbon fibres, fuels, construction and agriculture. Lignin by-products may be attractive also for developing a range of commercially viable products.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Monaghan Biosciences Ltd. and The Irish Research Council (IRC) for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Glycobiotechnology Group, Biochemistry, School of Natural Sciences, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland

    Manimaran Ayyachamy, Finola E. Cliffe, Jessica M. Coyne & Maria G. Tuohy

  2. Monaghan Biosciences Ltd., Tyholland, Monaghan, Co., Monaghan, Ireland

    Manimaran Ayyachamy, Finola E. Cliffe, Jessica M. Coyne & John Collier

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  1. Manimaran Ayyachamy
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  2. Finola E. Cliffe
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  3. Jessica M. Coyne
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Correspondence to Manimaran Ayyachamy.

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Ayyachamy, M., Cliffe, F.E., Coyne, J.M. et al. Lignin: untapped biopolymers in biomass conversion technologies. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 3, 255–269 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-013-0084-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-013-0084-4

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