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Macromol
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Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials
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Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials

A special issue of Macromol (ISSN 2673-6209).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 13163

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valentina Sessini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Research “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, 28871 Madrid, Spain
Interests: stimuli-responsive polymers; bioplastics; bionanocomposites; smart energy; smart materials; shape-memory polymers; piezoelectric effect; catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent developments in starch and lignocellulosic-based materials, emphasizing their potential application as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers. These bio-based materials are garnering enhanced interest due to their renewability, biodegradability, and functional versatility across a wide range of applications, including packaging, biocomposites, pharmaceuticals, and energy. This Special Issue will explore advances in extraction, modification, processing, and characterization techniques that enhance their performance and broaden their applicability. The scope of this Special Issue includes chemical and enzymatic modifications, thermoplastic blends, nanostructuration, the development of hybrid materials, and innovations in mechanical and barrier properties. We particularly welcome contributions that address the challenges of scalability, stability, and environmental impact. By compiling innovative research from academia and industry, this Special Issue will serve as a platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in the development of next-generation materials from starch and lignocellulosic biomass.

Dr. Valentina Sessini
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Macromol is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biodegradable polymers
  • biobased materials
  • sustainable materials
  • natural fiber reinforcement
  • polymer modification
  • lignocellulosic biomass
  • starch-based materials
  • reactive extrusion

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2862 KB  
Article
Improved Thermo-Mechanical and Flame Resistance Behaviour of Polyamide 6/Lignin Microcomposites
by Alessandro Sorze, Roberto Miani, Claudio Gioia, Giulia Fredi and Andrea Dorigato
Macromol 2026, 6(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol6010018 - 14 Mar 2026
Viewed by 180
Abstract
This work focused on the investigation of sulfonated lignin as a novel and sustainable reinforcing filler for polyamide 6 (PA6) composites. Different formulations were thus prepared by melt compounding, varying the lignin content (5, 10, and 20 wt%). The interaction between lignin and [...] Read more.
This work focused on the investigation of sulfonated lignin as a novel and sustainable reinforcing filler for polyamide 6 (PA6) composites. Different formulations were thus prepared by melt compounding, varying the lignin content (5, 10, and 20 wt%). The interaction between lignin and PA6 was systematically studied through rheological, structural, morphological, thermo-mechanical, and flammability tests. Rheological measurements showed an increase in the complex viscosity and viscoelastic moduli with increasing lignin content, suggesting restricted polymer chain mobility and the formation of strong physical interactions between the molten PA6 and the lignin particles. Microstructural observations through FESEM highlighted a good dispersion of lignin particles and efficient filler–matrix interfacial adhesion. Moreover, the addition of lignin significantly increased the tensile stiffness of the composites (up to 3.4 GPa), and a lignin content of 10 wt% enhanced the tensile strength up to 58.4 MPa (i.e., +45% compared to neat PA6) without compromising the ductility. Finally, UL-94 tests revealed an improvement in flame retardancy at higher lignin contents due to the intrinsic char-forming ability of this filler. These results demonstrated that lignin could be an effective multifunctional bio-based filler that can improve the thermo-mechanical performance of PA6 without the need for compatibilizing agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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20 pages, 2794 KB  
Article
Antioxidant Potential of Waste Lignin Phenolics and Their Role in Thermo-Oxidative Stabilization of Polyurethane Materials
by Temenuzhka Radoykova, Eduard Stefanov and Stela Georgieva
Macromol 2026, 6(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol6010015 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Waste lignin from the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials is an abundant but underused by-product of the pulp and biorefinery industries. Phenolic compounds derived from lignin, rich in aromatic structures, show strong antioxidant potential and can be applied in polymer stabilization, food, and medical [...] Read more.
Waste lignin from the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials is an abundant but underused by-product of the pulp and biorefinery industries. Phenolic compounds derived from lignin, rich in aromatic structures, show strong antioxidant potential and can be applied in polymer stabilization, food, and medical fields. This study evaluated the radical-scavenging activity of phenolic fractions obtained from alkaline-treated waste lignin against DPPH● and ABTS•+, using Trolox as a reference. Both spectrophotometric and electrochemical techniques were employed, providing deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms. Depending on the assay, the phenolic extracts demonstrated substantial radical-scavenging capacity, in some cases matching or surpassing that of Trolox. This behavior was linked to electron/proton transfer pathways, radical reactivity, and solubility effects. The combined use of multiple antioxidant tests offered a comprehensive characterization of the bioactivity of lignin-derived phenolics and supports their potential as sustainable sources of antioxidant compounds within a circular economy framework. Furthermore, the study examined how toluene-extracted phenolics affect the thermo-oxidative stability of model polyurethane films. Incorporating small amounts (1%, 3%, 5%) into the polymer matrix showed that a 1% loading provides the most effective stabilization. At higher concentrations, however, additional oxidative processes seem to be activated, as indicated by FTIR measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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16 pages, 4106 KB  
Article
Study on Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Reinforced with Agave lechuguilla Fibers
by J. A. Maldonado-Torres, E. Rocha-Rangel, C. A. Calles-Arriaga, W. Pech-Rodriguez, J. López-Hernández, U. A. Macías-Castillo, M. C. Kantún-Uicab, A. Jiménez-Rosales, L. F. Martínez-Mosso and J. A. Castillo-Robles
Macromol 2026, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol6010004 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Agave lechuguilla fibers exhibit high tensile strength, low density and durability, but their use in natural rubber composites is underexplored. This study investigates alkaline-treated fibers (149–180 µm) as reinforcements for natural latex. Fibers were pretreated with a methanol–acetone mixture, followed by immersion in [...] Read more.
Agave lechuguilla fibers exhibit high tensile strength, low density and durability, but their use in natural rubber composites is underexplored. This study investigates alkaline-treated fibers (149–180 µm) as reinforcements for natural latex. Fibers were pretreated with a methanol–acetone mixture, followed by immersion in 10% NaOH at 70 °C for 1 h, removing lignin and hemicellulose as confirmed by FTIR and SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed three weight-loss stages: moisture/volatiles (9.4%), hemicellulose (peak at 341 °C), and cellulose/lignin (peak at 482 °C), with <3% residue above 500 °C. Treated composites exhibited enhanced tensile strength (4.68 ± 1.2 MPa vs. 1.3 ± 0.8 MPa for untreated) and elongation at break (530 ± 51% vs. 452 ± 32%). Hardness increased from 21.8 (neat latex) to 30.3, and compression resistance was improved. Optical microscopy revealed strong fiber–matrix adhesion with uniform dispersion. Alkaline treatment enhances interfacial bonding and mechanical performance, making A. lechuguilla fibers a sustainable reinforcement for eco-friendly composites in automotive, construction, and packaging sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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17 pages, 7136 KB  
Article
Study of Thermoplastic Starch/Poly (Butylene Succinate) Blends: The Effect of Reactive Compatibilizers
by Ke Gong, Yuanyuan Chen, Yinshi Lu, Zijian Zhao, Alexandre Portela, Han Xu, Mengli Hu, Handai Liu and Maurice N. Collins
Macromol 2025, 5(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5030042 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Compatibilizers that enhance sustainability and improve the miscibility of polymer blend components have garnered significant attention. This study investigates the difference between the synthetic chain extender Joncryl® ADR 4468 and the natural epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) Merginat 8510100 as compatibilizers for thermoplastic [...] Read more.
Compatibilizers that enhance sustainability and improve the miscibility of polymer blend components have garnered significant attention. This study investigates the difference between the synthetic chain extender Joncryl® ADR 4468 and the natural epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) Merginat 8510100 as compatibilizers for thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene succinate) (TPS/PBS) blends. Blends containing 40% TPS and 60% PBS were prepared with 1, 3, and 5 phr of each compatibilizer, along with a reference with no additives. The properties of these blends were evaluated using tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicate that while Joncryl® ADR 4468 significantly improved tensile strength, it also resulted in a brittle fracture. In contrast, ELO batches exhibited greater ductility, albeit with lower tensile strength. These differences are attributed to the chain extension and minor cross-linking effects of Joncryl® ADR 4468, compared to the increased chain mobility arising from ELO’s plasticizing and compatibilizing actions. Supporting evidence for these observations includes increased cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) and melting temperature (Tm), greater storage modulus along with higher complex viscosity, strengthened interfacial adhesion, and fewer morphological defects in Joncryl® ADR 4468 blends. These results highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate compatibilizer based on specific application requirements. Overall, this study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the loadings of Joncryl® ADR 4468 and ELO in TPS/PBS blends and provides a basis for further optimization strategies, such as the incorporation of binary compatibilizers, alternative grafting-based compatibilizers, and twin-screw blending modifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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Review

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80 pages, 2900 KB  
Review
State of the Art and Recent Advances on Ester and Ether Derivatives of Polysaccharides from Lignocellulose: Production and Technological Applications
by Heloise O. M. A. Moura, Aisha V. S. Pereira, Elaine C. de Souza, Adriano M. N. Freitas, Daniella N. R. do Nascimento, Carlos A. C. Kramer, Janaína S. Matos, Jordanna L. B. Costa, Daniel Q. Nobre, Leila M. A. Campos, Késia K. O. S. Silva and Luciene S. de Carvalho
Macromol 2025, 5(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5040047 - 14 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3990
Abstract
In an era defined by the imperative for sustainable, high-performance materials, this review examines the development and utility of key ester and ether derivatives from both cellulose and hemicellulose sourced from lignocellulosic biomass, with a special emphasis on waste feedstocks. Our findings indicate [...] Read more.
In an era defined by the imperative for sustainable, high-performance materials, this review examines the development and utility of key ester and ether derivatives from both cellulose and hemicellulose sourced from lignocellulosic biomass, with a special emphasis on waste feedstocks. Our findings indicate that these derivatives exhibit tunable physicochemical properties, enabling their broad use in established industrial sectors while also fueling the emergence of novel technological applications in nanotechnology, controlled delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, electronics, and energy fields. This dual-polysaccharide platform demonstrates that underutilized biomass streams can be repurposed as valuable feedstocks, promoting a circular supply chain and supporting more sustainable solutions, thereby aligning with the goals of eco-friendly innovation in materials science. Future progress will likely depend on integrating green chemistry synthesis routes, optimizing waste-to-product conversion efficiency and scalability, and engineering derivatives for multifunctional performance, thus bridging the gap between commodity-scale use and high-tech material innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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34 pages, 10005 KB  
Review
Starch Science Advancement: Isolation Techniques, Modification Strategies, and Multifaceted Applications
by Abhijeet Puri, Popat Mohite, Aakansha Ramole, Sonali Verma, Milind Kamble, Ketan Ranch and Sudarshan Singh
Macromol 2025, 5(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5030040 - 8 Sep 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6022
Abstract
Starch is one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature and is widely utilized across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and packaging. Its attractiveness stems from its renewability, biodegradability, versatility, and abundance in nature. However, native starches have limitations, including poor solubility, [...] Read more.
Starch is one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature and is widely utilized across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and packaging. Its attractiveness stems from its renewability, biodegradability, versatility, and abundance in nature. However, native starches have limitations, including poor solubility, thermal instability, retrogradation, and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Despite the broad range of applications of starch, challenges persist in optimizing its modifications, addressing cost constraints, and ensuring regulatory compliance in food and pharmaceutical applications. These shortcomings necessitate modifications to enhance their physicochemical and functional properties. Additionally, recent trends indicate a shift towards bioengineered starches with enhanced functional properties, utilizing artificial intelligence for process optimization, and expanded applications in advanced biomaterials to achieve sustainable development goals. Thus, this review delves into the diverse sources of starch, highlighting extraction techniques and comparing their characteristics. Additionally, the review examines various modification strategies and discusses their effects on starch structure, gelation, and industrial applications. Recent advancements in dual-modification approaches, nanotechnology integration, and eco-friendly modification techniques have been examined in the context of sustainable development. Moreover, this review highlights the role of modified starch in various pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery systems and bioadhesives, as well as its importance in biodegradable plastics, food packaging, wastewater treatment, and bioethanol production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Starch and Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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