The valorization of lignin has become a dominant translational research theme in biorefining in the last few years (Ragauskas et al., 2014). Historically, lignin has been sourced from kraft and sulfite pulping operations, and each of these sources provides some natural limitations to their usage. Commercially, this type of lignin has been used as a dispersant, dust suppression agent, surfactant, binder, and emulsifiers
however, most of these applications are low-value, and the markets are saturated (Gargulak and Lebo, 2000). The general limitation of these lignins is due to the presence of sulfur, extensive cross-linking, difficult process ability, purity, and low-molecular-weight profiles in the case of kraft lignin.