Valorization of tomato stem wasteKnežević, Nataša (Avtor) Hočevar, Jan (Avtor) Titan, Primož (Avtor) Žener, Boštjan (Avtor) Lazić, Vesna (Avtor) Iskra, Jernej (Avtor) Papan Djaniš, Jelena (Avtor) agricultural wastemultifunctional nanomaterialslignin nanoparticlesantimicrobial activitypesticide deliveryThis study explores the valorization of organosolv lignin extracted from tomato stems (tOL) and its transformation into tomato lignin nanoparticles (tLNP) via a hydrotropic synthesis method using sodium p-toluenesulfonate (p-TSA). The structural and chemical properties of tOL and tLNP were thoroughly characterized using SEM, FTIR, UV-Vis, DLS, Zeta potential, and NMR analyses, confirming successful nanoparticle formation with favorable physicochemical properties. Both tOL and tLNP exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, achieving maximum inhibition of Escherichia coli within 4 h of contact. Furthermore, tLNP were employed as carriers for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and tested in field trials, demonstrating effective herbicide delivery and enhanced performance under practical agricultural conditions. These results highlight the potential of tomato stem-derived lignin nanoparticles as multifunctional, sustainable materials for agrochemical applications, offering simultaneous waste valorization, antimicrobial protection, and environmentally friendly pesticide delivery.20262026-02-20 09:28:41Članek v reviji179683UDK: 547.458.84:620.3ISSN pri članku: 1872-633XDOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2026.122773COBISS_ID: 267953411sl