Green Synthesis, Characterization, Encapsulation, and Measurement of the Release Potential of Novel Alkali Lignin Micro-/Submicron Particles

J Vis Exp. 2024 Mar 1:(205). doi: 10.3791/66216.

Abstract

The applicability of biopolymer micro-/nano- technology in human, veterinary medicine, pharmaceutical, and food technology is rapidly growing due to the great potential of biopolymer-based particles as effective carrier systems. The use of lignin as a basic heteropolymer biomatrix for the design of innovative micro-/submicron formulations allows the achievement of increased biocompatibility and offers various active functional groups presenting opportunities for customization of the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of the formulations for diverse applications. The aim of the present study was to develop a simple and ecofriendly methodology for the synthesis of lignin particles with micro- and submicron size; to evaluate their physicochemical, spectral, and structural characteristics; and to examine their capacity for encapsulation of biologically active molecules and potential for in vitro release of bioflavonoids in simulated gastrointestinal media. The presented methodologies apply cheap and green solvents; easy, straightforward, quick, and sensitive processes requiring little equipment, non-toxic substances, and simple methods for their characterization, the determination of encapsulation capacity towards the poorly water-soluble bioactive compounds morin and quercetin, and the in vitro release potential of the lignin matrices.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Alkalies
  • Flavonoids
  • Humans
  • Lignin*
  • Pharmacy*
  • Polymers

Substances

  • Lignin
  • Flavonoids
  • Alkalies
  • Polymers