Lignin Nanoparticles and Their Biodegradable Composites

The plant-based bioresources play a key role in fulfilling human needs and overall socio-economic development. The world of today uses a variety of bioresources, which emanate from sectors like forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and bio-wastes. Lignin was once considered a waste by-product, but recently, it has developed into a large bio-industry that has infinite applications. This chapter provides a concise classification of lignin and lignin-based materials within the research field of bioresources and discusses its development as a raw material in nanoparticles and biodegradable composites. Various strategies for extraction, separation, and processing of lignin from plant material are explained. A detailed account of newly found applications of lignin, lignin nanoparticles, and their biodegradable composites is given for multidisciplinary areas, for instance, in pharmaceuticals, industry, and value-added products. The chapter closes with a precise discussion of the issues, challenges, and prospects of each lignin material in the context of the application, processing, and development.