Biological potential of alkaline lignins: A brief review

Abstract

Lignins are polyphenolic macromolecules found in the cell walls of plants. They are considered promising sources of material for bioproducts due to their abundance, renewability, and multiple biological activities. The purpose of this review is to present the vast biological potential of alkaline lignins, highlighting their applicability in various areas such as medicine, biotechnology, and sustainable industry. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, and antimalarial activities of lignins are presented, emphasizing the impact of the chemical structure of these macromolecules on their biological functions. Although the exact mechanism of these activities still needs to be fully elucidated, the ability of lignins to interact with diverse biological targets opens up opportunities for several future scientific investigations and demonstrates their potential for use as a bioproduct. This work highlights the potential use of alkaline lignins as candidates for the development of new sustainable products and materials. It also emphasizes the necessity for research focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying its biological activity. Advances in this field could significantly transform the utilization of industrial by-products into valuable bioproducts, facilitating the shift towards an economy reliant on renewable resources and fostering harmonious coexistence with natural ecosystems.

Keywords

• alkaline lignins, bioproducts, biological activities