MSc.Thesis Defense:Nima Mohammadi

Development and Characterization of Lignin-Based Nanoparticles and Their Assessment for Biomedical Applications

Nima Mohammadi
Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Master of Science, 2025

Thesis Jury

Assist. Prof. Nur Mustafaoglu (Thesis Advisor),

Assist. Prof. Sibel Cetinel (Thesis Co-Advisor), Assoc. Prof. Safacan Kolemen, Assoc. Prof. Ozge Akbulut, Assoc. Prof. Serap Mert

Date & Time: 11th June, 2025 –  15:00 PM

Place: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Building, FASS G022

Keywords : Lignin Nanoparticles, Antibiotic Nanocarriers, Anti-Inflammatory Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery, Sustainable Healthcare Solution 

Abstract

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained significant interest as sustainable and biocompatible nanocarriers for drug delivery and therapeutic applications due to their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics. In the current study, a straightforward method was developed for synthesizing LNPs, which allows precise size control using ethanol and water as green solvents. Accordingly, three distinct nanoparticle batches, LNP1 (⁓160 nm), LNP2 (⁓330 nm), and LNP3 (⁓490 nm), were synthesized. LNPs were characterized for their size, morphology, stability at different temperatures (4, 25, and 37 °C) and pH (5.5, 7.4, and 9) conditions, and physicochemical properties. Time-dependent cellular uptake studies revealed their effective internalization by cells. The anti-inflammatory potential of LNPs was evaluated in THP-1 cells by quantifying their size-dependent ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Overall, results revealed that size variations significantly affect their anti-inflammatory performance, with LNP2 exhibiting the most promising results in reducing cytokine levels. To explore their potential as antibiotic delivery systems, LNP1 was chosen as the model delivery system and three clinically relevant antibiotics, including teicoplanin, vancomycin, and daptomycin were successfully loaded into it, and its in vitro release profiles were evaluated. LNP1 exhibited sustained release behavior ranging from three to eight days. The antibacterial efficacy of antibiotic-loaded LNP1 was investigated through bacterial growth inhibition assays, demonstrating preserved and slightly enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus compared to free antibiotics. These findings collectively establish LNPs as a versatile platform for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory applications, with size-dependent effects playing a crucial role in their therapeutic performance.