Abstract
In this study we explore the extent to which we can tune lignin nanoparticles produced in a biorefinery that couples a microbial electrolysis cell to lignin depolymerization. We vary the salt type and pH and monitor the size and shape of the nanoparticles, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the mixture. We found that the salt type influences the shape of the lignin nanoparticles - ranging from spherical (phosphate) to rod-like (nitrate and chloride) and flower-like (carbonate). Additionally, the shape and the size influence the antioxidant capacity due to changes in the surface area to volume ratio. The flower-like nanoparticles have a high surface area to volume ratio and the highest antioxidant capacity, which is similar to that of the industrial benchmark antioxidant, Trolox. The antioxidant capacity of the lignin nanoparticles illustrates their high potential value in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, and agricultural industries.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 988-994 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | RSC Sustainability |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 6 2024 |
Funding
Funding for this work was provided by the Finite Earth Initiative of the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. Biological and chemical analysis was performed in the Analytical bioNanoTechnology Core Facility of the Simpson Querrey Institute at Northwestern University. The U.S. Army Research Office, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, and Northwestern University provided funding to develop this facility and ongoing support is being received from the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource (NSF ECCS-1542205). This work made use of the IMSERC MS facility at Northwestern University, which has received support from the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource (NSF ECCS-2025633), and Northwestern University. This work also made use of the EPIC facility of Northwestern University's NUANCE Center, which has received support from the SHyNE Resource (NSF ECCS-2025633), the IIN, and Northwestern's MRSEC program (NSF DMR-1720139).
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry (miscellaneous)
- Analytical Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Organic Chemistry