Could plastic replacements come from these ‘Tara Gum’ seeds? Possibly
Researchers at Chung-Ang University are exploring ‘Tara Gum’ as a green polymer, offering a sustainable alternative for the food and drug industries.
In a world drowning in synthetic plastics, where the buzzword is sustainability, researchers at Chung-Ang University are breaking new ground with what they described as “Tara Gum” derived from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa).
Move over plastic, tara gum is stepping into the spotlight as a natural, water-soluble substance that could revolutionize the way we approach packaging and drug delivery.
In a recently published study led by Professor Sangkil Lee and his team at Chung-Ang University in the Republic of Korea, the team dives into the potential of tara gum and its modified forms as sustainable and biodegradable polymers.
What makes Tara Gum a plastic alternative?
The research shows that tara gum isn’t your average gum; it’s a powerhouse of polysaccharides, including the versatile “galactomannan.” This complex carbohydrate could be a game-changer, finding applications in coatings and edible films as stabilizers and thickeners.
Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safety profile set tara gum apart—qualities that make it a standout player in the eco-friendly revolution.
In a press release, Prof. Lee shed light on the team’s work, stating, “Our team has a keen interest in natural polysaccharides and their role in drug delivery, and we have been working on tara gum and other natural polysaccharides to extend their applications.”
This study marks the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive review of recent advancements in tara gum and its modified materials. It showcases their potential role in shaping the future of food and drug delivery.
The team’s systematic overview covers everything from extraction methods to tara gum’s toxicology and rheological behavior. The study doesn’t just stop at the lab; it delves into real-world applications.
In the food industry, tara gum proves to be a versatile player, finding roles in biopolymer packaging, monitoring seafood and milk spoilage, acting as a gelation agent, and even safeguarding fatty foods from oxidation.
But the show’s real star is its potential in the pharmaceutical industry. Tara gum and its modified derivatives could revolutionize drug delivery systems, offering controlled release of vitamin D-3, antibacterial hydrogel development, iron delivery in infants and adults, controlled release of drugs, and even restoring the physiological barrier of the gut.
Prof. Lee speculates on the future possibilities, saying, “The physicochemical property of tara gum and its products can be enhanced using various kinds of monomers, crosslinkers, or other polysaccharides.”
The team believes that tara gum’s properties could be further improved by incorporating chitosan or other natural polymers, along with inorganic materials such as copper and zinc nanoparticles, unlocking new dimensions in its applications.
The complete study was published in the journal Carbohydrate Polymers and can be found here.
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