A comprehensive review on technical lignin, lignin hydrogels, properties, preparation, applications & challenges in lab to market transition

In the quest for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, lignin (C81H92O28) hydrogels have emerged as a revolutionary alternative to conventional synthetic polymers. Researchers and industries are ardently looking into innovative biomaterials that can address both functionality and ecological balance considering growing worries about the environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastics. The plentiful and intricate natural polymer lignin, which is generated from plant cell walls, presents a tremendous chance to make this vision a reality. This shift towards lignin hydrogels signifies not only a departure from petrochemical-based materials but also a pivotal stride towards a more sustainable future. While numerous reviews have extensively covered the structural attributes, properties, synthesis techniques, and applications of lignin hydrogels, scant attention has been directed towards the challenges in transition from laboratory settings to successful commercialization. In addressing this gap, the present review comprehensively presents the latest strides in this field, delves into the obstacles intrinsic to the scale-up of lignin hydrogel synthesis, and explores the prospective applications of hydrogels based on lignin, illuminating their promise as a herald of greener and more responsible polymer alternatives.