BIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF LIGNIN AND ITS DERIVATIVES: A MINI-REVIEW

The use of natural substances is currently considered as a promising alternative to conventional therapy. Recent researches have demonstrated the bioactivities of natural polymers, which lead to their application in the treatment of different diseases. Also, natural compounds and bioinspired materials require more investigations to understand the structure-property relationships and interactions with cellular environment. As with other biological macromolecules, the interest in lignin has increased due to its potential applications. Lignin is the second component, after cellulose and provides higher plants with rigidity and strength. It assures the transport of water and nutrient transport in plant tissues, as well as the resistance to microbial attack. In this mini-review, some aspects related to the applications of lignin have been summarized, including some pharmacological applications, such as anti-tumor, anti-virus, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.