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Advances in Lignin-Based Biomaterials: Synthesis and Characterizations

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 976

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: lignin; biomaterials; biochemicals; ionic liquids; eutectic solvents; modeling; organic synthesis
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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: ionic liquids; deep eutectic solvents, green chemistry; molecular liquids synthesis and design; thermal analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

The Special Issue "Advances in Lignin-Based Biomaterials: Synthesis and Characterizations" invites contributions exploring the latest breakthroughs in utilizing lignin, a readily available aromatic by-product of the pulp and paper industry, for sustainable biomaterial development. This issue focuses on innovative synthesis strategies for modifying lignin and creating novel biomaterials with tailored properties. We welcome submissions detailing advancements in chemical modification techniques, including oxidation, sulfonation, esterification, and grafting, aimed at enhancing lignin's reactivity and functionality. A key area of interest is the application of advanced characterization methods to elucidate the structure–property relationships in these materials. Contributions showcasing the use of spectroscopic methods (ex. FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis), microscopic techniques (ex. SEM, TEM, AFM), thermal analysis (ex. TGA, DSC), and mechanical testing are encouraged. The issue aims to highlight the correlation between synthesis methods, characterization results, and the resulting material properties, ultimately demonstrating the potential of lignin-based biomaterials for diverse applications, such as biomedical, packaging, agricultural, and environmental remediation. 

We encourage researchers to submit their original research articles and reviews to this timely and important collection.

Dr. Giorgio Tofani
Dr. Andrea Mezzetta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lignin
  • lignin-based biomaterials
  • chemical characterization
  • functionalization
  • depolymerization
  • reprocessability

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

33 pages, 1187 KB  
Review
From Extraction to Valorization: Unlocking the Potential of Bark-Derived Extraction Residues for Sustainable Material Development
by Julia Dasiewicz, Anita Wronka and Grzegorz Kowaluk
Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4537; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234537 - 24 Nov 2025
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Tree bark, a renewable byproduct of the forest industry, has long been recognized as a rich source of bioactive and structural compounds, including polyphenols, tannins, triterpenes, and suberinic acids. Over recent decades, numerous studies have explored bark extraction processes aimed at recovering these [...] Read more.
Tree bark, a renewable byproduct of the forest industry, has long been recognized as a rich source of bioactive and structural compounds, including polyphenols, tannins, triterpenes, and suberinic acids. Over recent decades, numerous studies have explored bark extraction processes aimed at recovering these valuable substances. However, the substantial quantities of solid and liquid residues remaining after extraction are still largely overlooked despite their significant potential for further valorization. This review summarizes the current state of research on bark extraction, highlighting the diversity of applied techniques from conventional solvent extraction to advanced green methods such as organosolv, subcritical water, and supercritical CO2 extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on post-extraction residues, which remain rich in lignocellulosic, suberinic and phenolic compounds suitable for the development of bio-based materials, composites and functional chemicals. Importantly, this review introduces a novel perspective by evaluating post-extraction residues with the same significance as primary bark extracts, emphasizing their un-tapped potential within emerging bark biorefinery concepts. The review identifies existing knowledge gaps related to the chemical characterization, recovery strategies and industrial integration of these byproducts. Finally, it outlines future research directions focused on transforming bark extraction residues into high value sustainable materials fully aligned with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and zero waste processing. Full article
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