Breakthrough research confirms antimicrobial power of CH-Bioforce Lignins

The world is facing a growing threat from viruses and bacteria, including new pathogens, drug-resistant strains and microbes that can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks. Traditional antimicrobial solutions often rely on synthetic chemicals or metals, which can raise concerns about health, safety and environmental impact.

A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules has confirmed that CH-Bioforce’s sustainably produced, aqueous-based lignins have significant antimicrobial activity against both viruses and bacteria.

Produced from birch chips, wheat straw and oat husks using CH-Bioforce’s patented BIOFORSENSE® fractionation technology, these lignins achieve up to 99% purity with minimal carbohydrate content, which is an important factor in ensuring consistent bioactivity.

In collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä and Spinnova, the research tested the lignins against:

Viruses: Non-enveloped enteroviruses (CVA9 and EV-A71) and enveloped coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2).

Bacteria: Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli.

 

Key Findings:

• Outstanding antiviral activity – Birch lignin was especially effective against non-enveloped enteroviruses, achieving rapid inactivation in minutes. Wheat lignin followed closely, while oat lignin demonstrated relatively higher potency against certain coronaviruses.
• Broad antibacterial action – All lignins delayed or reduced bacterial growth, particularly in S. aureus, where birch lignin reduced maximum population size by ~50%.

• Different mechanisms for different microbes – Lignins stabilised enteroviruses to prevent uncoating (the step where viruses release their genetic material), but disrupted the structure of coronaviruses, impairing their ability to enter cells.

 

Why it matters

The results point to a new, sustainable class of bio-based antimicrobials that can replace or complement synthetic chemicals and metals, which often have environmental or safety drawbacks. Potential applications include:

• Antimicrobial coatings for public spaces and medical equipment
• Safer, longer-lasting food packaging
• Materials for healthcare and hygiene products

By harnessing the natural protective chemistry of lignin, CH-Bioforce is helping pave the way toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.

 

 

 

Reference:

Liu, J., Haapakoski, M., Sundberg, L-R., Vähäsalo, L., Vento, P., Pöysti, M., & Marjomäki, V. (2025). Aqueous-based lignin extractions from birch, wheat, and oat exhibit broad antimicrobial activities. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 319, 145736.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145736

 

 

If you are interested to know more, download the full article by 23rd August 2025 free of charge!