Biopolymer Films from Pulp Mill Lignin-Carbohydrate Complexes

Date:1 Dec 2021

Application

• Packaging applications: LCC-based films can be used for environmentally friendly, renewable barrier films with improved mechanical properties and reduced oxygen permeability, enhancing food preservation.
• Barrier films: The LCC biopolymer has potential in creating protective, disposable barrier films for infection control, preventing the spread of germs and fluids on high-touch surfaces.

Description

This project explores the use of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) extracted from pulp mill effluent to create durable biopolymer films. These films, with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced oxygen permeability, show potential in packaging and barrier applications. The study demonstrates that adjusting LCC concentration and composition can optimize the films' viscoelastic and barrier characteristics. Future research aims to improve film performance and explore further applications in biopolymeric products.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves the Ecohelix technique to extract lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) from pulp mill effluent. The effluent is first subjected to a sulfite heating method to remove LCCs and other components from cellulose. The extracted LCC is then enzymatically modified to create a water-soluble, anionically charged biopolymer. This biopolymer is tested for use in polymeric film applications, particularly for packaging and barrier films.