Lignin–carbohydrate complexes, their fractionation, and application to healthcare materials: A review

The growing interest in developing sustainable healthcare materials from natural biomass to replace synthetic healthcare materials derived from non-renewable sources has focused on lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs). These LCCs are formed by combining hydrophobic/rigid lignin and hydrophilic/flexible polysaccharide segments from plant tissues found in nature. While LCCs inherit the broad composition and features of biomass relevant for use in healthcare, the role of LCCs in healthcare materials has not been fully studied and is not well understood. Indeed, the specific features of LCCs according to their manufacturing method and composition remain vaguely defined. In this paper, the fractionation, characterization, and applications of LCCs in healthcare materials are therefore reviewed with emphasis on their biocompatible, immunostimulant, oxidation-resistant, anticancer/antitumor, antiviral, and ultraviolet-resistant properties. The information compiled in this review can encourage the increased development of advanced healthcare materials through LCC-based innovations.