Microbial Production of Nanolignin from Cotton Stalks and Its Application onto Cotton and Linen Fabrics for Multifunctional Properties

Abstract

Microbial means of nanolignin production from the bulk lignin derived out of cotton stalks could add value to the agricultural biomass, without affecting the environment. Also, such nanolignin can be used to impart multifunctional properties on the surface of cotton and linen fabrics. The bulk lignin was extracted by kraft pulping process from cotton stalks and subjected to controlled microbial hydrolysis by a lignin degrading fungal isolate, Aspergillus oryzae to obtain the nanolignin. For comparison, nanolignins were prepared by two different established processes, high-shear homogenization and ultrasonication. The microbial process yielded 45.3% nanolignin while homogenization and ultrasonication processes yielded 79.50% and 62.60%, respectively.