Deep eutectic solvent-mediated extraction of lignin: A novel strategy for producing high-quality biopolymers in controlled-release mulching applications

作者：Xing Long, Yadan Luo, Zhi Luo, Yiyan Wu, Baojie Liu, Chengrong Qin, Liang Chen, Caoxing Huang, Shuangquan Yao · 发表于：International Journal of Biological Macromolecules · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140254 · 被引用次数：14 · 研究领域：Lignin and Wood Chemistry、Enzyme-mediated dye degradation、Plant Physiology and Cultivation Studies

Microplastic contamination of low-density polyethylene mulch and nutrient loss from fertilizers present significant challenges in the crop-growing. In this study, the focus was on creating a biodegradable film that combines the advantages of plastic film, thermal insulation and water retention, as well as the controlled release of fertilizer. A key innovation was the efficient introduction of low molecular weight and low dispersibility of poplar lignin into chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol matrices. The lignin was extracted using deep eutectic solvents of binary carboxylic acids (choline chloride and maleic acid). The refined lignin was used as a superhydrophobic additive to improve the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, and controlled nutrient release properties of the films through cross-linking. The mulch attained a tensile strength of 37.6 MPa, an elongation of 644.1 %, and a precise release of 53.1 % urea over 30 d at the ideal lignin content ratio (10 %). Furthermore, the film proficiently regulated soil temperature and moisture content. Successful enhancement of cabbage growth was achieved by actual measurements. This discovery provides innovative ideas for the development of nutrient slow-release high-strength integrated agricultural mulching films to promote sustainable, high-quality green agriculture.