{"id":41866,"date":"2024-01-16T09:40:19","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T09:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=41866"},"modified":"2024-01-16T09:40:19","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T09:40:19","slug":"tara-gum-to-be-used-as-an-alternative-to-plastic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/tara-gum-to-be-used-as-an-alternative-to-plastic\/41866\/","title":{"rendered":"Tara gum to be used as an alternative to plastic"},"content":{"rendered":"
Non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution<\/a>, and have accelerated an interest in sustainable alternatives derived from natural polymers.<\/p>\n Tara gum, made from the seeds of the tara tree, is a potential alternative to plastic. It is a natural and water-soluble substance that contains complex carbohydrates, including the widely used galactomannan. This polysaccharide is used in coating edible films and as a stabiliser and thickener.<\/p>\n A recent study led by a team of researchers from Chung-Ang University has examined modification methods of tara gum to allow it to be used as an alternative to synthetic plastics in the food and drug industries.<\/p>\n The results were published in Carbohydrate Polymers<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n Tara gum\u2019s biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safety make it valuable in the food and drug delivery industries.<\/p>\n As well as this, the groups within tara gum polysaccharides are adaptable, making it an important substance for tailoring physicochemical and mechanical properties for specific applications.<\/p>\n The new study explores the modifications of tara gum for the development of pH-sensitive food packaging and drug delivery systems.<\/p>\n Professor Sangkil Lee from Chung-Ang University in the Republic of Korea, said: \u201cOur 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.<\/p>\n \u201cVarious researchers have explored the wide range of applications for its various modified forms.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, this is the first review article on recent advancements in tara gum and its modified materials, and their potential role in food and drug delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n The team provide an overview of the advancements in tara gum research, describing methods for extractions, isolation, and characterisation of tara gum polysaccharides.<\/p>\n The team also examined the toxicology, rheological behaviour, and its behaviour in the presence of other polysaccharides.<\/p>\n The paper looks at the applications of the material in the food industry. These include the use in biopolymer packaging, and monitoring seafood and milk spoilage.<\/p>\n The team also looked at its use as a gelation agent \u2013 providing short-term protection of food from oxidation.<\/p>\n The material can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry. For example, in the controlled release of vitamin D-3, antibacterial hydrogel development, iron delivery in both infants and adults, controlled release of drugs, and restoration of the physiological barrier of the gut.<\/p>\n \u201cThe physicochemical property of tara gum and its products can be enhanced using various kinds of monomers, crosslinkers, or other polysaccharides,\u201d stated Professor Lee.<\/p>\n \u201cFurthermore, the improvement of antibacterial properties might be achieved through the incorporation of chitosan or other natural polymers, as well as inorganic materials such as copper and zinc nanoparticles.\u201d<\/p>\n The study could inspire the scientific community to conduct further research on tara gum for the development of food-related applications and safe drug formulations.<\/p>\n The work has the potential to reduce the global burden of health risks and costs, as well as helping to combat environmental pollution caused by excessive plastic waste<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tara gum has the potential as a sustainable and biodegradable polymer in the food and drug industries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":41868,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24433],"tags":[763,24542,24543],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTara gum\u2019s advantageous properties<\/h3>\n
Advancements in research<\/h3>\n
Applications of the biodegradable plastic alternative<\/h3>\n
Inspiring further research<\/h3>\n