Extraction and isolation methods for lignin separation from sugarcane bagasse: A review

Abstract

This paper intends to review different extraction and isolation methods recently explored for lignin separation from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse. Initial bagasse processing is a pre-treatment mechanical action (milling) that facilitates applying further conversion technologies. There are several methods that have been developed for the extraction and isolation of the solubilized lignin from sugarcane bagasse; these include alkaline and ionic liquid methods. The insoluble lignin can be separated by the treatment of concentrated sulfuric acid. The quantity of sugarcane lignin fraction depends on the techniques applied and the aim of studies, but it has a range of 17–32% of biomass while the average value is about 23% of biomass. This fraction value has a major content in non-wood biomass and it is rich with aromatic chemical compounds.