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Lignin-based arylindane diols: sustainable antioxidants with low toxicity
A European research team has developed novel arylindane diols derived from lignin, offering a renewable and safer alternative to synthetic phenolic antioxidants.
Synthetic phenolic antioxidants are widely used to prevent oxidative degradation in materials but often rely on non-renewable feedstocks and pose potential health risks. Researchers have now developed sustainable alternatives: novel arylindane diols sourced from lignin.
The study focuses on diisoeugenol (DiE) and diisoallylsyringol (DiAS), which were synthesised selectively from the lignin-derived monomer isoeugenol via zeolite catalysis. The team also produced diisoallylphenol (DiAP) to investigate how structural variations, such as o-methoxy groups, influence physicochemical and toxicological properties.
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Strong antioxidant performance, lower health risk
Tests using ABTS and DPPH assays confirmed strong radical-scavenging capacity. Oxidation onset temperature (OOT) measurements in polypropylene formulations showed improved thermal stability, matching or surpassing that of commercial antioxidants.
Toxicological analyses, including cytotoxicity tests on human gingival fibroblasts and an oestrogenic activity screening with the CALUX assay, revealed low levels of EA and cytotoxicity. These findings suggest DiE and DiAS could serve as effective, renewable and safer alternatives for industrial antioxidant use.
Source: Green Chemistry, Issue 26, 2025
