Application of lignin and lignin-based composites in different tissue engineering fields

Lignin is a major phenolic polymer from the plant biomass. Due to its abundant functional groups (carboxyl and hydroxyl groups), lignin could act as an antioxidant, antimicrobial as well as an immune modulator. These remarkable biological properties render lignin a highly potential bioactive candidate in the biomedical applications including tissue engineering. Although several effective applications of lignin-based composites have been reported in tissues repairing and organ regeneration, a systematic review to summarize the recent utilization of lignin-based composites in different tissue engineering fields is still lacking. Hence, the aim of this review is to delineate the biological functions of lignin and to highlight the latest applications of lignin-based composites in different tissue engineering fields, such as bone regeneration, organ regeneration and wound dressing. This review will serve as an illuminating resource to direct and promote the biomedical applications of lignin and lignin-based composites.