Sulfated Lignin for Use in Pathogen Absorption, in Water Purification, as Hydrogel, as Medicament, as Drug Carrier and for Mucus Replacement

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent relates to the use of sulfated lignin, a renewable biopolymer derived from plant sources, as a multifunctional agent that can adsorb pathogens (like bacteria and viruses), pollen, and spores. Sulfated lignin is also used to create hydrogels that mimic mucus, serve as water purifiers, act as water retention agents in soils, function as medicaments and drug carriers, and serve as antimicrobial coatings for articles. The method to prepare hydrogels from sulfated lignin is also described.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Antimicrobial and antiviral sprays or coatings for surfaces, plants, and medical environments (e.g., hospital furniture).
• Water purification systems for removing pathogens and microorganisms from drinking or process water.
• Hydrogels that act as artificial mucus for trapping pathogens, potentially for use in biomedical or pharmaceutical applications.
• Medicament or topical drug formulations for skin application to prevent or treat microbial infections.
• Drug delivery systems where hydrogels slowly release therapeutic agents.
• Water retention and slow-release systems for agriculture, horticulture, or landscaping to store and gradually release water to plants.
• Sanitary and veterinary articles, such as wound dressings, sanitary pads, or diapers, with enhanced absorptive and antimicrobial properties.
• Coatings for medical or consumer products where long-term antimicrobial activity and reduced infection risk are desired.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Uses lignin, an abundant and underutilized byproduct of the paper and biofuel industries, contributing to sustainability and circular economy.
• Provides strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral activity, demonstrated against bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and viruses (e.g., HSV-1, influenza, SARS-CoV-2).
• Highly tunable material properties, such as pore size and mechanical strength, through control of degree of sulfation.
• Excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical uses.
• High water solubility and processability, allowing formulation as powders, hydrogels, or sprays.
• Enhanced water absorption and controlled release properties, useful for both medical and agricultural applications.
• Low cost and scalability enabled by using industrial waste (lignin) as starting material.
• Environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals or metal-based antimicrobials, with lower toxicity and waste.
• Resistant to enzymatic degradation, ensuring longer-lasting effects in biological environments.
• Potential to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides or antimicrobial agents, helping mitigate environmental contamination.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to novel uses of sulfated lignin, such as its use as compound for adsorbing at least one of a microorganism, a pathogen, pollen, and spores. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a hydrogel comprising sulfated lignin.