A process for preparing materials derived from sugar alcohols such that the dehydration products exhibit better accountability and improved color to water-clear or near water-white appearance is described. In particular, the process involves employing a reducing Brnsted acid (e.g., phosphonic acid) for the catalysis of sugar alcohols to their corresponding dehydrated-cyclized products.

Provided are aqueous lignin solutions containing lignin solvated in Good's Buffers. The aqueous lignin solutions can be used in a variety of applications including biomedical research and in manufacturing a variety of lignin containing products including food grade and biomedical products. The aqueous lignin solutions can also be used in the treatment of microbial infection, as an adjuvant in antimicrobial therapeutics or therapy, and in forming antimicrobial products. Methods of making and using aqueous lignin solutions are also described.

Provided are aqueous lignin solutions containing lignin solvated in Good's Buffers. The aqueous lignin solutions can be used in a variety of applications including biomedical research and in manufacturing a variety of lignin containing products including food grade and biomedical products. The aqueous lignin solutions can also be used in the treatment of microbial infection, as an adjuvant in antimicrobial therapeutics or therapy, and in forming antimicrobial products. Methods of making and using aqueous lignin solutions are also described.