Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
make the difference (Ragauskas et al . 2006). The shear volume of available biomass at
economically viable rates bodes well for the use of lignin as a cheap source of aromatic
monomers for subsequent polymerisation (Gandini 2008). Breaking down the larger
lignin fragments into monomeric or oligomeric precursors either through chemical or
enzymatic means overcomes the greatest difficulty in utilisation of this material:
the
heterogeneous nature of the isolated lignin.
7.7
Concluding Remarks
A number of recent publications have detailed the ongoing efforts to increase the potential
of use of the underutilized resource lignin (Chakar and Ragauskas 2004, Gosselink et al .
2004a, Stewart 2008, Gandini 2008). With the cost of oil and petroleum based chemicals
at historical highs and the continually increasing demand for this scarce resource, it is
inevitable that biomass will play an important role in providing for future economic
prosperity. Lignin, with its unique structure and properties, large available volume and
surety of supply, is well placed to fill this role. However, lignin as a resource does have
some limitations that may be overcome in the future through better understanding of the
natural structure and its physical chemistry. Furthermore, if lignin could be produced
with a constant molecular structure free of both organic and inorganic contaminants will
enhance its potential in nanotechnology.
References
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