Novel Lignin Micro-/Nano-Formulations as Bioactive Compounds Carriers

Dear Colleagues,

The latest scientific research on the synthesis and design of micro-/nanoparticles based on natural and synthetic polymers aims to improve the therapeutic properties of various synthetic medicinal preparations and bioactive compounds encapsulated in them. Compared to synthetic polymers, biopolymers are distinguished by a number of advantages: availability, renewability, environmental friendliness, low cost, physiological compatibility, biodegradability, and safety.

Lignin is a widely available natural biopolymer, but also a major waste product from the pulp and paper industry. Its low degree of utilization is due to its complex and modifiable molecular structure and high polydispersity. Moreover, the complexity of the procedures, given their isolation, purification, chemical modification, and structural characterization, greatly hinders its high-value-added applications. It is these prerequisites that determine the need for the development of new technological solutions for the utilization of lignin, as well as the prospects for its potential applicability in biomedical sciences.

Topics of interest for this Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• the development of new micro-/nano-formulations based on the biopolymer lignin;
• the encapsulation of biologically active substances;
• the in vitro/in vivo release of biologically active substances;
• antibacterial activity;
• antiproliferative potential;
• antioxidant properties;
• clinical studies;
• drug-carrier interactions;
• toxicity.

Dr. Zvezdelina Lyubenova Yaneva
Dr. Milena Tzanova
Dr. Donika Ivanova
Guest Editors

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