Lignin-based drug delivery system

Date:28 May 202

Application

• A sustainable drug delivery method based on the biopolymer lignin could offer applications in anti-cancer therapies

Description

Researchers have developed a sustainable drug delivery method using a biopolymer called lignin, which has potential applications in anti-cancer therapies. The team created novel polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) by combining a hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate polymer with other polymers and agar, and found that these PECs can effectively entrap and release drugs in a controlled manner. The use of lignin, a biodegradable and sustainable material, offers a promising alternative to fossil-based raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry, and its antioxidant properties may also help reduce oxidative stress-related colon cancer relapse.

Pathway Description:

The team combined a “novel and sustainabily produced hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate polymer (EH, negatively charged) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan (CH, positively charged) and agar to develop drug-releasing PECs. Methylene blue was utilised as the model drug.