Work

Antimicrobial activity enhancement of cationic lignin by phenolation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: to reach comparable % CFU reduction efficacy. Due to higher cationic charge density and more branched architecture (achieved by phenolation before cationization), QPAL was able to cause severe membrane disruption, ROS generation, morphological deformation, and intracellular leakage upon QPAL treatment. Importantly, QPAL maintained low cytotoxicity toward human embryonic kidney cells. These findings demonstrate phenolation-enabled enhanced cationization as an effective strategy for developing high-performance lignin-based antimicrobials.

Source: RSC Applied Polymers

DOI: 10.1039/d6lp00215c

Authors: Karen Acurio Cerda, Gunjan Purohit, Martha Morton, Oleh Khalimonchuk, Rajib Saha, Shudipto Konika Dishari

Institutions: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial agents and applications

Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond