Lignin nanoparticles and nisin-loaded lignin nanoparticles: Molecular characterization, determination of antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity.

• Grant number: 25/24929-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: March 23, 2026
• End date: September 22, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Carmen Sílvia Fávaro Trindade
• Grantee: Samuel Henrique Gomes de Sá
• Supervisor: Bruno Dufau Mattos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Aalto University, Finland
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/14001-8 - Development of biodegradable active tray based on starch and added with antimicrobial-loaded lignin nanoparticles, BP.DR

Abstract

With the creation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the development of the concepts of biorefinery and "green chemistry," in recent decades, there has been an effort to improve the use of agro-industrial waste to reduce the impact of human activity on Earth. Lignin is a macromolecule that can be extracted from the biomass of different plants and has been studied for its potential as a substitute for synthetic polymers. In addition, owing to its self-organizing capacity, lignin can be structured in the form of nanoparticles, enhancing its antioxidant properties and overcoming the limitations of raw lignin. Nanoparticles can also generate reactive oxygen species, causing damage to the cytoplasmic membrane of microorganisms, and thus act as antimicrobial agents. In addition, the self-organization process enables the encapsulation of various compounds of interest. Thus, lignin nanoparticles are a sustainable alternative to synthetic antimicrobials currently in use. Therefore, the objective of this project in partnership with the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University (Finland) is, to use lignin extracted from green coconut shell waste to develop lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and nisin-loaded lignin nanoparticles (NLNPs) for subsequent application in biodegradable food trays. (AU)