Lignin nanoparticles: Eco-friendly and versatile tool for new era

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose and is one of the most intriguing natural materials for utilization across a wide range of applications. It is generated in large quantities as by-products in pulping industries and biorefineries through various processes. Conversion of lignin into nanoparticles exhibit unique properties because of this, recently it gained significant interest among researchers. Therefore this review is providing the proper updated information on the state of the art of different chemical, physical, mechanical techniques which are involved in the synthesis of variety of lignin nanoparticles and their potential applications in different fields such as antibacterial, UV adsorbent, antioxidant, hybrid nanocomposites, drug delivery vehicles, bioremediation and carbon precursor etc. have been discussed.