To make detergents more sustainable, we need to use renewable ingredients that are cost-effective. Instead of using agricultural resources like sugars and starch, which compete with food production, we can use lignocellulose. This material, made of lignin and cellulose, makes up 90% of plant biomass and is found in forestry and agricultural waste. It can be separated into lignin and cellulose biopolymers using water-based processes. While cellulose is widely used, lignin is usually burned for energy. However, lignin has unique properties that can improve cleaning products. It can help with particle dispersion, metal ion complexation, and surface modification. By adjusting molecular weight and functional groups, lignin biopolymers can enhance the performance of detergents used in dishwashers, laundry, and surface cleaners. This overview explains lignin's chemistry, properties, and its potential as a detergent booster.
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