Abstract
The demand for biodegradable materials is increasing due to the disadvantages associated with petroleum-based polymers. Among the various biopolymers, lignin is the most abundant aromatic polymer after cellulose. It is a renewable polymer with cost-effective, biocompatible, and nontoxic in nature. The excellent antimicrobial, antioxidant and ultraviolet (UV) blocking ability of this polymer makes them suitable for its application in food packaging, medical and other sectors. The antimicrobial activity of lignin is due to the polyphenolic content and its functional groups. Lignin-based nanocomposites have also received great attention due to the biodegradability, thermal stability, stiffness, antioxidant, UV blocking, and antimicrobial properties. Several studies also suggested the addition of lignin in enhancing the thermal, water barrier as well as mechanical properties of bionanocomposites. The current chapter will discuss the challenges associated with food packaging, lignin, lignin nanoparticles and lignin-based bionanocomposites and their application in food packaging.
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