Abstract: The present invention provides lignin nanoparticles containing a hydrophobic active agent and a process for the production of the lignin nanoparticles. The process involves 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 the lignin nanoparticles, in which the modified lignin is lignin which is chemically modified to contain at least two functional groups suitable for polymerization and/or crosslinking.