Optimization of lignin extraction from alkaline treated mango seed husk by high shear homogenization-assisted organosolv process using response surface methodology.

Lignin valorisation into materials such as resins is essential to increase the value obtained from biomass. However, biomass recalcitrance limits the selective isolation of lignin for economic gains. This study developed a new process for fractionating alkaline treated mango seed husk into high purity lignin and cellulose-rich pulp, using high shear homogenization-organosolv (HSHO) process. The HSHO process conditions (ethanol concentration (50-70%), temperature (130-150 °C) and homogenizing time (10-20 min)) were optimized using response surface methodology to maximize the solubilised lignin with high purity while obtaining a fibrillated cellulose-rich pulp. Optimum process conditions of 60% ethanol, 148.41 °C, and 15 min homogenization, yielded 70.23% lignin of 96.18% purity, higher than those of the non-assisted process (68.58% and 94.74%, respectively). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed syringyl and guaiacyl lignin units with a molecular weight of 3247 g/mol and thermal degradation temperature of 298 °C. Sulphur and nitrogen contents in the resulting lignin were lower than 0.15%. Fibrillated cellulose pulp with diameters of <1-10 μm were obtained. This study has established the proficiency of an HSHO process for biomass fractionation and more so, for the extraction of lignin with >90% purity suitable for varied applications.