Influence of lignin modifications on physically crosslinked lignin hydrogels for drug delivery applications

So far, the possibility of synthesizing hydrogels based on multiple biopolymers has been investigated, and among them lignin proven to be one potentials for this purpose due advantages it offers. However, because its high molecular weight, steric hindrance few reactive sites structure, is sometimes necessary improve reactivity though chemical modifications. On basis previous results, two modifications were selected in order enhance almond, walnut commercial alkaline organosolv lignins' reactivity: a peroxidation reaction ones hydroxymethylation ones. Both reactions confirmed by techniques (i.e. FTIR, GPC TGA). Hydrogels synthesized from these lignins according works. The waste suggested that despite modification lignins, just highest weight fractions reacted with matrix polymer. Moreover, swelling capacity modified lignin-based was negatively affected, whereas samples improved. SEM micrographs explained aforementioned, results DSC compression tests accordance them. Self-extracted quercetin loading release studies could used controlled drug delivery.