Evaluation of hydrophilicity enhancement and protein adsorption resistance of dual-amine-crosslinked lignin induced by hydration layer formation

초록

Lignin is a natural resource with diverse properties; however, it is often incinerated or discarded, leading to its underutilization. This study aimed to enhance the functionality of lignin by introducing amine groups, thereby exploring its potential as a high-value material. Chemical structural analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of amine groups into lignin, with the nitrogen content reaching a maximum of 4.1% upon additional amine group introduction. Furthermore, when lignin was processed into a film, a decrease in its contact angle was observed with the incorporation of amine groups, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity. This suggests the creation of a favorable environment for the formation of a hydration layer. Additionally, adsorption tests using bovine serum albumin protein revealed that introducing amine groups significantly reduced its concentration compared to kraft lignin, indicating improved antifouling properties. Thus, the successful synthesis of dual-amine-crosslinked lignin, coupled with increased hydrophilicity and the formation of a hydration layer, led to enhanced protein adsorption resistance and improved antifouling performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the valorization of lignin and offer potential contributions to developing environmentally friendly materials.

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