Nanomaterials for transforming barrier properties of lignocellulosic biomass towards potential applications – A review

Wood with many of its useful components builds and supports the flora, besides having a commercial significance. Coatings on the wood are used to preserve it from degradation by physical, chemical, and biological attacks, and this attribute is considered as a barrier property. Latter due to commercialization, the non-permeability to volatile substances and gases is also considered as a part of barrier property. Renewable and biodegradable cellulose derivatives and lignin have been known for their porosity, hydrophilicity, and barrier property. Hemicellulose and lignin are not preferred much when compared to cellulose for many commercial applications. However, the onset of nanotechnology has made utilization of these waste or non-treatable by-products of lignocellulosic biomass as potential barrier coatings in the food and paper industry. Moreover, the weakening process of lignocellulosic biomass by microbial enzymes or microbes conjointly with nanoparticles decreases the barrier property which could be utilized for biofuel applications. Nanomaterial conjugated hemicellulose has exhibited the lowest oxygen and vapor permeability level of 0.1799 cm³·μm/m²·d·kPa and 2.75 × 10⁻¹¹ g/m·s respectively, whereas lignin seems to have long term moisture control for up to 189%. The current review highlights the progress in transforming the lignocellulosic biomass derivatives for food, paper, and biofuel industrial applications.