Grafted natural gum: a substitute for synthetic polymer

Naimish Nanda

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Raipur

   Pharmaceutical formulations have long acknowledged the versatile applications of natural polymers derived from plant sources. Among the various advancements in drug delivery technology, natural polymer grafting has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance functionality and efficacy. Grafting is the process of attaching monomer chains covalently to the backbone of natural polymers. The natural polymers have some disadvantages, such as uncontrolled hydration, pH-dependent solubility, lower shelf life, microbial contagion, batch-to-batch variation, and being prone to viscosity reduction upon storage. Raw gums’ fixed structure and functional groups, as well as their low resistance to enzyme corrosion, continue to limit their performance and applicability. Natural polymers that resemble such characteristics can be used in this method. It not only creates new macromolecules with enhanced solubility, stability, and bioavailability of drugs, but also allows for the controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and modification of formulations’ rheological properties. These materials are easily synthesized from renewable resources using green chemistry principles, making them environmentally friendly.

     Chemical, radiation, enzymatic, and mechanical grafting are some of the procedures used. Microwave irradiation is a technology that provides heat rapidly and uniformly, enhancing reaction rates and significantly lowering reaction times. This approach also enhances energy efficiency, rendering it a cost-efficient and eco-friendly option. More research needs to be done in this area to fully explore how grafted natural gums might make pharmaceutical formulations safer and more effective by reducing our reliance on synthetic polymers or chemicals.

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