Lignin Valorization in Biorefineries
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 1563
Special Issue Editors
Interests: lignin valorization; biorefinery; lignocellulosic biomass; catalyst; process intensification; mathematical modeling
Interests: biorefinery; biomass pretreatment; second-generation ethanol; downstream processing
Interests: biofuels; process intensification; mathematical modeling; biorefinery
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Sustainable technologies are essential to mitigate the environmental damage caused by human activity. Several advances have been made over the years in utilizing plant-based biomass to produce high-value-added products, particularly cellulose and starch. However, lignin, a structural component of lignocellulose, remains underutilized to this day. Due to its high calorific value, lignin is primarily burned to produce heat and electricity in pulp and paper industries, with only a small portion used for low-return applications, such as dispersants and binders. Despite this, recent insights in the literature highlight that lignin is a natural and biocompatible macromolecule that offers various useful properties, including UV-blocking, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. It can also be depolymerized into phenolic compounds, which can serve as platform molecules for further applications. There is a plethora of applications in which lignins could completely replace fossil-based materials, particularly in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors. More research efforts are needed to expand the use of lignin-based products and increase the income from production chains involving lignocellulosic biomass.
In this Special Issue, we seek papers that present original data on lignin valorization in a biorefinery context and review articles that provide a critical analysis of this field of research. We additionally welcome studies on the mathematical modeling, techno-economic assessment, and lifecycle assessment (LCA) of lignins. Papers that cover analytical methods employing lignins may be accepted as long as the valorization of the macromolecule is emphasized.
Dr. Carlos Eduardo De Araújo Padilha
Dr. Everaldo Silvino Dos Santos
Dr. Domingos Fabiano de Santana Souza
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- pretreatment
- bioactive compounds
- antioxidant properties
- kraft lignin
- extraction
- thermochemical processes
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