Lignin is produced in large quantities as a by-product of the wood and paper industry and has so far mostly been utilised as an energy source. It is the largest natural source of so-called aromatic compounds. These are stable molecular structures that are contained in numerous pharmaceuticals. This is precisely where research comes in.
Rethinking green chemistry
Many medicines and chemical products are still based on crude oil. Production is often energy-intensive and generates problematic waste. This is where Barta's approach comes in: She pursues the principles of "green chemistry". The aim is to develop processes from the ground up in such a way that they conserve resources, are energy-efficient and produce as few pollutants as possible.
The focus is on lignin, a complex biopolymer that is produced in large quantities as a by-product of the wood and paper industry. It is the largest natural source of aromatic molecules, which are found in numerous active pharmaceutical ingredients. In the "WoodValue" project funded by the Austrian Science Fund, Barta's team is working on breaking down this complex structure in a targeted manner and converting it into valuable starting materials for medicines. The decisive factor here is to completely rethink chemical syntheses instead of simply replacing existing processes.
From wood chips to high-tech active ingredients
Research is already showing concrete successes: it has been possible to produce important molecules such as dopamine from lignin - a compound that plays an important role in medicine. What is particularly remarkable is that these new processes require fewer reaction steps than conventional petrochemical processes.
#This is a great advantage, as it saves energy, reduces waste and significantly improves sustainability.
