Research Reveals Key Insights into Nanoparticles with Hemicellulose Adsorption

Strategic Insights -

Recent research at the University of Helsinki has delved into the interfacial properties of surface-modified lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with hemicellulose adsorption, yielding significant findings on their potential applications in life sciences. The study, published in the journal Langmuir, compared the properties of softwood and hardwood LNPs with those treated with laccase-induced oxidation and hemicellulose adsorption. The research concluded that hemicellulose adsorption increases the hydrophilicity of LNPs, except for glucuronoxylan (GX), and laccase-induced hemicellulose adsorption increases the hydrophobicity of particles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study focused on the interfacial properties of surface-modified lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with hemicellulose adsorption, a crucial aspect for understanding their potential applications in life sciences.
  • Researchers compared the properties of softwood (Lignoboost lignin, LB) and hardwood (Birch lignin, BB) LNPs with those treated with laccase-induced oxidation, hemicellulose (galactoglucomannan (GGM) and glucuronoxylan (GX)) adsorption, and laccase-induced hemicellulose adsorption.
  • The study found that hemicellulose adsorption increases the hydrophilicity of LNPs, except for GX, and laccase-induced hemicellulose adsorption increases the hydrophobicity of particles.
  • The unique features of functionalized BB-LNPs with GX include rapid adsorption at the interface, increased hydrophobicity, and avoidance of aggregation in the emulsion.
  • The researchers discussed the roles of hemicellulose adsorption and laccase-induced hemicellulose adsorption by considering the interfacial tension and contact angle for emulsification.
  • The findings of this study lay the groundwork for comprehending the role of hemicellulose in surface-modified LNPs in interfacial stabilization and expanding their potential uses in food, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical sciences.
  • Key researchers involved in the study include Patricia Figueiredo, Mina Zare, Maarit H. Lahtinen, Kristiina S. Hilden, Sami Hietala, and Kirsi S. Mikkonen from the University of Helsinki.

Statistics:

  • The study was published in the journal Langmuir in 2025.
  • The research focused on the interfacial properties of LNPs with hemicellulose adsorption, which is essential for understanding their potential applications in life sciences.
  • The study compared the properties of softwood and hardwood LNPs with those treated with laccase-induced oxidation and hemicellulose adsorption.
  • The unique features of functionalized BB-LNPs with GX include rapid adsorption at the interface, increased hydrophobicity, and avoidance of aggregation in the emulsion.

Sources:

  • Interfacial Properties of Surface-Modified Lignin Nanoparticles. Langmuir, 2025. (www.pubs.acs.org/journal/langd5)
  • Patricia Figueiredo, Dept. of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
  • Mina Zare, Maarit H. Lahtinen, Kristiina S. Hilden, Sami Hietala, and Kirsi S. Mikkonen, University of Helsinki.
  • Langmuir - www.pubs.acs.org/journal/langd5.
  • American Chemical Society - www.acs.org.