Lignin antioxidants for preventing oxidation damage of DNA and for stabilizing polymeric composites

Abstract

Abstract The antioxidative behavior of various lignin preparations derived from chemical wood treatment for paper production was examined. All lignin samples exhibited higher antioxidant activity than Trolox. The protective effect of lignin antioxidants against H2O2-induced oxidative damage of DNA in human carcinoma cells and male rats was evaluated. Moreover, lignin was tested as a stabilizer in the processing of polypropylene composites, as well as in thermo-oxidative aging of styrene-butadiene vulcanizates. The results indicate that the lignin preparations show great potential as antioxidants in human diets and polymer blends. Lignin has the potential to protect living organisms against cancer diseases and contributes to the protection of polymers against degradation.