Preparation and Characterization of Size-Controlled Lignin Nanoparticles with Deep Eutectic Solvents by Nanoprecipitation

Abstract

Lignin nanomaterials have wide application prospects in the fields of cosmetics delivery, energy storage, and environmental governance. In this study, we developed a simple and sustainable synthesis approach to produce uniform lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) by dissolving industrial lignin in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) followed by a self-assembling process. LNPs with high yield could be obtained through nanoprecipitation. The LNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Distinct LNPs could be produced by changing the type of DES, lignin sources, pre-dropping lignin concentration, and the pH of the system. Their diameter is in the range of 20–200 nm and they show excellent dispersibility and superior long-term stability. The method of preparing LNPs from lignin–DES with water as an anti-solvent is simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly. The outcome aids to further the advancement of lignin-based nanotechnology.

Lignin Nanoparticles and Alginate Gel Beads: Preparation, Characterization and Removal of Methylene Blue

“…DES was prepared according to our previous protocol [ 42 ]. Briefly, ChCl and ETA were used as HBA and HBD, respectively.…”

Design Strategy and Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents for Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials

“…DESs have been used for the fabrication of different nanostructures, including silver nanoparticles [ 58 , 59 , 60 ], gold nanoparticles [ 61 , 62 , 63 ], magnetic nanoparticles [ 64 , 65 , 66 ], Zinc nanoparticles [ 67 ], ZnSe nanoparticles [ 68 ], CZTS nanoparticles [ 69 ], upconversion nanoparticles [ 70 , 71 ], as well as biopolymers, such as lignin nanoparticles [ 72 , 73 ] and cellulose nanoparticles [ 74 ]. DESs can dissolve many different reagents and substances, including high relative concentrations of metal salts, metal oxides, and various polymers.…”

Lignin as a Natural Carrier for the Efficient Delivery of Bioactive Compounds: From Waste to Health

“…al. [ 57 ], who have developed a simple and sustainable protocol to produce LNPs by dissolving industrial lignin into different deep eutectic solvents and then inducing nanoprecipitation by the addition of H 2 SO 4 or NaOH to test the effect of pH on LNP morphology. In detail, the authors tested various DESs, including an acidic NaDES (choline chloride:lactic acid 1:9), a polyol-based DES (choline chloride:ethylene glycol 1:2), and an alkaline DES (choline chloride:ethanolamine 1:6) for their ability to dissolve lignin.…”