Lignin is an aromatic biopolymer and a primary component of the cell walls in lignocellulosic biomass, where it constitutes between 15 and 40% of its dry mass. This percentage can vary, not only among plant species, but also among different cell types. Currently, the pulping and biorefinery industries worldwide extract large amounts of lignin, which is mostly combusted to generate the power needed to productively transform the lignocellulosic biomass. The specific composition and structure of this technical lignin depends on its botanical origin and on the extraction method applied. In general, however, lignin possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, UV-absorbing capabilities, biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, lignin can increase the mechanical strength of numerous processed biomaterials. Accordingly, lignin is a promising aromatic raw material for the pharmaceutical and biomedical field. This work discusses the recent advances in the valorisation of lignin through the development of drug and gene delivery systems, wound dressings, tissue engineering or sunscreen actives. Finally, a brief overview on the current challenges and opportunities for making lignin-based products for pharmaceutical and medical applications a reality is also discussed.

木质素是一种芳香族生物聚合物，是木质纤维素生物质中细胞壁的主要成分，在木质素中占其干重的15％至40％。该百分比不仅在植物物种之间，而且在不同的细胞类型之间都可以变化。当前，全世界的制浆和生物精炼工业提取大量的木质素，大部分木质素被燃烧以产生生产性转化木质纤维素生物质所需的能量。该技术木质素的具体组成和结构取决于其植物来源和所采用的提取方法。然而，一般而言，木质素具有抗氧化剂和抗菌性能，紫外线吸收能力，生物相容性和低细胞毒性。此外，木质素可以增加许多加工过的生物材料的机械强度。因此，木质素是制药和生物医学领域有希望的芳香原料。这项工作讨论了通过开发药物和基因递送系统，伤口敷料，组织工程或防晒活性物质来开发木质素的最新进展。最后，还将简要概述一下将木质素基产品用于制药和医疗应用的当前挑战和机遇。