Composition and Role of Lignin in Biochemicals

The term lignin is derived from lignum, which means plant wood. Plant wood are mainly composed of extractives, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The lignin is a cross-linked polymer, made of three phenylpropanoid precursors, p-coumaryl, synapyl, and conniferyl alcohols. It is the most abundant polymer in plant world and act mechanically as a natural glue to bind hemicellulose and cellulose. Lignin is amorphous, soluble in alkali, condenses with phenol and has high melting temperature. The function of lignin is to protect the carbohydrates of the biomass from degradation, thus provide stability. The chapter includes information on types of lignin, structure, isolation, degradation, and transformation in to market value chemicals. The application of lignin and lignin base monomers for synthesis of plastic, hydrogels, adhesives, chemicals, fuels and other value added materials at industrial scale.