Recent Advance in Preparation of Lignin Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Food Packaging

CUI Tangwu; JIA Qi; CHANG Chenglin; ZHU Aixin; LI Guofeng; HU Lizhen

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.006

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (11) : 53-60. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.006

Special Topic on Functional Biomass Materials

Recent Advance in Preparation of Lignin Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Food Packaging

CUI Tangwu¹, JIA Qi¹, CHANG Chenglin², ZHU Aixin¹, LI Guofeng¹, HU Lizhen^3*

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Abstract

The work aims to develop green and sustainable bio-based alternative materials and advance the development and application of functional bio-based films, so as to address the environmental pollution challenges caused by conventional petroleum-based packaging. Drawing upon recent global research advancements, this paper systematically reviewed and compared the diverse preparation techniques for lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), including self-assembly, physical-mechanical methods, solvent exchange, and green deep eutectic solvent (DES) systems. Furthermore, it provided an in-depth analysis of the microstructural evolution and modification mechanisms of composite films when LNPs were blended with polysaccharide or biodegradable polyester matrices. Following nanoscale processing, lignin not only effectively overcomed its inherent tendency to agglomerate within matrices, but also leveraged its massive specific surface area to significantly enhance its natural antibacterial, antioxidant, and ultraviolet (UV)-shielding properties. The composite films formulated by incorporating LNPs into polysaccharide or biodegradable polyester networks achieve a synergistic enhancement in mechanical strength, moisture barrier performance, and comprehensive food preservation capabilities. This indicates that such nanocomposites possess immense potential for replacing traditional plastics in food packaging applications.

Key words

lignin nanoparticles / composite films / food packaging / antioxidant / antimicrobial / UV-shielding

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CUI Tangwu, JIA Qi, CHANG Chenglin, ZHU Aixin, LI Guofeng, HU Lizhen. Recent Advance in Preparation of Lignin Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Food Packaging[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(11): 53-60 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.006

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