# Decoding the mechanism of toxicity of soft lignin nanoparticles to bacteria cells: an interplay between the nanoparticle properties and the characteristics of the cell surface

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Florida (FL) · $401,267

## Abstract

Lignin is a natural substance found in plants and wood. Recently, researchers have explored ways to change lignin into very small particles known as lignin nanoparticles.  These nanoparticles have promising applications. They can be used to create food packaging that fights bacteria. They can also be used as wound dressings that help prevent infections. These particles can also be placed in materials that clean water by trapping microbes. However, how these nanoparticles enter and affect bacterial cells is not well understood. This project will investigate how changing the particle properties (size, charge and others) affect their ability to kill bacteria in water. The research team will explore the effectiveness of these lignin nanoparticles in fighting different types of bacteria. The team will identify how the design of the lignin nanoparticles and the specific types of bacteria they target can influence their antibacterial strength. By understanding what helps lignin nanoparticles bind to and impact bacteria, the team will improve the performance of the particles. The team will use microscopes to examine the tiny pores of bacteria cells to understand how size affects the ability of the lignin nanoparticles to move through pores and enter the bacteria. The team will also explore how the stickiness of both bacteria and the lignin nanoparticles impact particle-bacteria connections.  Lastly, the team will investigate how the electric charges of bacterial cells and lignin nanoparticles change the ability of these nanoparticles to kill bacteria. The project also includes educational programs aimed at helping students understand the importance of using natural plant-based materials in daily use. The team will create a minicourse and offer hands-on laboratory experience for both college and high school students. Students will learn both the basic concepts of lignin nanoparticles and participate in practical experiments stemming from this research. The educational activi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2553277
- **Awardee organization:** University of Florida (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NNFQH1JAPEP3
- **PI:** Andreia Fonseca de Faria
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD
- **Estimated total:** $401,267
- **Funds obligated:** $401,267
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/01/2026 → 07/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2553277

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2553277, Decoding the mechanism of toxicity of soft lignin nanoparticles to bacteria cells: an interplay between the nanoparticle properties and the characteristics of the cell surface. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2553277. Licensed CC0.

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