Laboratory of Lignin Chemistry
The valorization of lignin and its derivatives is an urgent part of the development for the modern bioeconomy.
About the Laboratory
The Laboratory of Lignin Chemistry works to gain new knowledge about lignin and other plant polyphenols, including lignans, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids and condensed tannins, in order to develop new aromatic bio-based products based on biorefining principles. The development of methods for the characterization of raw materials, intermediates, target products and by-products of plant biomass is carried out with a focus on elucidating the transformation mechanism. Optimization of target product properties is done by testing in the selected relevant environment. We are developing advanced functionalization methods of lignin and lignocellulose for the production of composite materials based on recycled polymer and its mixture with biopolymers for packaging and building materials, for improving the soil structure, fighting soil erosion, dedusting roads, cleaning wastewater, as well as for the production of emulsion stabilizers and surface modifiers.
Keywords: antimikrobiālie un pretiekaisuma līdzekļi, augsnes uzlabotāji, augu aizsardzības līdzekļi, biobāzēti termoreaktīvie polimēri, bioloģiski aktīvas vielas, būvmateriāli, dabīgie mēslojumi, ekstrūzija, fenoliskas ekstraktvielas, funkcionālās biopiedevas, grunts atputekļotāji, kompozīta iepakojums, lignīns, lignocelulozes pildvielas, lignocelulozes-polimēra kompozītmateriāli, lopbarības piedevas, mehāniski-ķīmiskā modificēšana, mikroviļņu ekstrakcija, mikroviļņu torefakcija, pārtikas un kosmētisko līdzekļu konservanti, polipienskābe, reciklētais PP, smago metālu sorbenti, virsmas aktīvās vielas
Research Directions
- Transformations of the chemical and physico-chemical structure of wood and herbaceous lignin depending on the extraction method and origin of lignocellulose
- Modification of lignin and other plant polyphenols for use as renewable macromonomers and/or technical antioxidants in the context of the development of thermoset bioplastics
- Research on the use of microwave energy instead of traditional heating in lignocellulosic processing methods such as drying, torrefaction and extraction of polyphenolic compounds from lignocellulosic biomass
- Pelletization studies of commercial lignin as well as various lignocellulosic materials for their use as quality solid fuels and for other purposes
- Research of plant and algae biomass as a source of biologically active substances for extraction of target products, separation and purification of biologically active substances
- Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs - research of extracts and individual compounds as an alternative to synthetic substances
- Investigation of the effect of plant extracts and polyphenols on the activity of digestive enzymes
- Plant protection products - research of extracts and individual compounds as an alternative to conventional pesticides
- Modification of lignin and lignocellulosic biomass for production of natural fertilizers for conventional and organic agriculture. Testing the effectiveness of fertilizers in the climatic chamber and volumes in organic agriculture (field trials)
- Enrichment of fodder with biologically active substances of plant origin
- Extraction of environmentally friendly adhesives for the production of wood composite materials
- Polymer composite materials containing lignin and lignocellulose, including wood-polymer composites, for packaging and construction works
- Lignin modification for the development of technological functional additives and other environmentally friendly technologies
- Functionalized lignocellulose, including wood, bark and agricultural plant fibers, as a filler for polymer composite materials
- Modified lignin and its containing binders as soil enhancers and soil dust removers
- Lignin surfactants as emulsifiers, dispersants and surface modifiers
- Development of heavy metal sorbents based on lignin and lignocellulose fibers for wastewater treatment