The present invention also provides lignin nanoparticles comprising a hydrophobic active agent. The present invention provides a process for the production of lignin nanoparticles comprising a hydrophobic active agent, the process comprising the following steps: (i) dissolving modified lignin and a hydrophobic active agent in an organic solvent having low solubility in water； (ii) combining the solution with water and a surfactant to form a pre-emulsion； (iii) forming an emulsion from the pre-emulsion: and (iv) crosslinking the modified lignin to form lignin nanoparticles comprising the hydrophobic active agent, wherein the modified lignin is lignin which is chemically modified to comprise at least two functional groups suitable for polymerization and /or crosslinking.
