Fecha de publicación: -- Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: REVIEW Cross-linking techniques, including chemical and physical methods, are used to develop lignin hydrogels that form three-dimensional networks. Lignin hydrogels exhibit strong adhesion, self-healing, and mechanical strength. Due to the above characteristics, lignin hydrogels have been identified as promising multifunctional materials. Due to their biocompatibility, natural origin, and diverse physical and chemical properties, lignin hydrogels have become promising platforms for a range of applications, from drug delivery systems and biosensing devices to wound dressings and environmental cleanup. The application areas include soil cleaning and water retention.


ABSTRACT
The evolution of eco-friendly materials, particularly the synthesis of high-performance lignin-based hydrogels (LBHs) from degradable biomass feedstocks, is essential and has gained global attention. As an aromatic polymer derived from numerous natural biomass sources, lignin is renewable, recyclable, non-toxic, broadly functional, and affordable. The physicochemical properties of lignin are related to its functional groups, but they cannot be equated. This article focuses on newly developed materials and applications that can advance progress in environmentally challenging industries. The high-water-absorption capability, strong mechanical stability, biocompatibility, conductivity, and adhesiveness demonstrated by lignin hydrogels make LBHs more easily usable. This review article briefly outlines the specialized lignin and the essential elements of LBHs, including their preparation methods, properties, applications, challenges from the laboratory to the commercial scale, and future prospects.