Lignin is one of the three major components of the cell wall of lignocellulosic biomaterials. It is the second-most abundant polymer in nature. It is a complex and heterogeneous polymer found in the cell walls of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin’s predominant composition, which is rich in carbon and aromatic structures, enhances its value by enabling the development of high-value chemicals and bio-based materials. As one of the most affluent natural renewable sources of aromatic structures and the world’s second-largest renewable source of carbon, lignin possesses a thermal value comparable to that of carbon. Its aromatic constituents exhibit unique chemical properties and significant bioactive effects, making lignin a crucial material in various advanced applications. Different chemical fractionation methods have been designed to overcome the obstacles to extracting the lignin biopolymer from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin fractionation is a process that involves separating lignin from other components of biomass feedstock, such as cellulose and hemicellulose. This process is commonly used in the paper and pulp industry to obtain valuable lignin derivatives that can be used in various applications, including, among others, biofuels, chemicals, and biomaterials. In the brief overview described in this proceedings paper, we provide a comprehensive chemical overview of the current processes for extracting technical lignin from wood and lignocellulosic biomass, critically evaluating the advantages and limitations of each method.

Cellulose, the most abundant natural biopolymer, has garnered significant attention for hydrogel development due to its exceptional properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and mechanical strength. These attributes make cellulose an environmentally friendly and safe material for biomedical engineering applications. Crosslinking is a critical step in hydrogel synthesis, enabling the formation of a 3D network that enhances structural and functional properties. Various crosslinking methods have been employed to tailor cellulose-based hydrogels for specific applications, such as tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and 3D bioprinting. This paper provides a concise overview of the formulation techniques and biomedical applications of cellulose-based hydrogels. By synthesizing recent advances from the literature, we highlight the unique advantages of cellulose-based hydrogels over other biomaterials and discuss their potential as a sustainable and innovative platform in biomedical engineering.