Potential for use of lignin in drug release

In this study, it was examined how lignin, one of the raw materials of hemp, has been used in drug release so far. The lignin in the review is given examples of its use in drug release. The study is a narrative review study. The research question is “How is lignin used in drug release?” Within the scope of the study, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Research, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., the principal accepted indexes in the literature, were used. As a result of scanning these indexes, only 13 out of approximately 30-studies were selected. Keywords chosen as selection criteria: Lignin, extraction methods of lignin, place of lignin in drug release, use of lignin in drug release, materials produced with lignin in drug release. After the selection, the relevant studies were grouped and classified. Even lignin, which is used in different forms for drug release, has also been mentioned. This is a mini-review about the potential for use of lignin in drug release. As a result of the examination, it was understood that there are restrictions on the drug release use of lignin due to the problem of water dissolution. However, it is understood that it is a very suitable material for drug release due to its large amount, easy availability, and biocompatibility. Therefore, at the end of the study, it was recommended that the water-dissolved form of lignin and even the nano-sized form would benefit drug release for researchers who want to work in this field. In this respect, studies on lignin as a natural drug release product will accelerate. It will also be more beneficial for drug release of lignin in nanosize. These suggestions will guide researchers who want to work in this field. In the future, the researchers will study lignin for drug release.