Two new lignin products, desulfonated lignin and Lignin alkali were
tested as W protectant additives to Spodoptera littoralis
nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV) in comparison with magnesium
lignosulfonate, Fluorescent brightener 28, Berberine and Nu-Film.
Desulfonated lignin and lignin alkali exhibited a high rate of protection to
SpliMNPV (3.1 fold) compared with the other tested W lignin protectant
additives. In contrast, Nu-Film did not show any rate of protection. The
study recommends desulfonated lignin and lignin alkali as a natural UV
protectant to be used for the improvement of virus formulations. The
mechanism of the protection by lignin could be due to the dark color, which
prevent penetration of the W light that inactivate the virus. The study
demonstrates the potential of desulfonated lignin and lignin alkali as UV
protectant additives to baculoviruses and the mechanism of protection.