DOI: 10.36347/sajp

Pages: 213-216

The use of natural gums taken from the exudates and extracts of plants has been given a strong impulse due to the lucrative possibilities for industrialization and excellent international market. Anacardium occidentale L gum consists of highly branched galactan framework comprising of chains of (1-3) – linked with β-D-galacto pyranosyl units interspersed with β-(1-6)-linkages, possessing hydroxyl groups available for the attachment of biologically active compounds. The modification discussed includes the introduction of carboxymethyl groups into the molecules for extending the applications of partially carboxymethylated A. occidentale gum. The carboxymethylation conditions with respect to the volume and concentration of sodium hydroxide, weight of chloro-acetic acid in a reaction temperature were optimized. The solubility of modified gum was higher than the unmodified gum. The resulting product was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The carboxymethylated gum may provide an efficient alternative approach for the oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecules