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This study explores the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from chemically modified gum Arabic, designed for controlled folic acid release. The synthesis involves a two‐step process: carboxymethylation followed by grafting with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate via gamma irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and controlled diffusivity, essential for nutrient delivery systems. Key factors such as copolymer composition and irradiation dose are investigated, affecting the synthesis process. Systematic studies of swelling behaviors reveal that the hydrogel achieves a maximum swelling of 888.1% at 40 °C. The hydrogels are loaded with folic acid, and in vitro, sustained release profiles are examined under various pH conditions. The maximum release of 83.3% is observed after 24 h at pH 7.0, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas release mechanism. Different characterization techniques, confirm the successful synthesis and unique properties of the superabsorbent hydrogels. Rheological behavior analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel structures. Gamma irradiation ensures a homogeneous network structure, crucial for optimal swelling behavior and mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of eco‐friendly biopolymer hydrogels in precise drug delivery applications, leveraging the safety and process control benefits of gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For modern drug delivery, we need not only to develop new hydrogels but also appropriate processing approaches for them. Polysaccharides are potential competitors since they can be chemically modifiable, prepared prior to crosslinking, and yielded into hydrogels with a given form and shape. In this study, we performed chemical modification of gum arabic (GA) by amination reaction followed by conjugation with niacin (vitamin B3). Copolymeric hydrogels were developed by irradiating the mixtures of aqueous solutions of niacin conjugated aminated gum arabic (N–AmGA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (0/100, 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60 wt%) via gamma irradiation technique at different doses 10, 15, 20 and 25 kGy at a dose rate of 02.681 kGy/h for sustained and prolonged delivery of niacin. Effect of copolymer composition and an irradiation dose on gelation was examined to evaluate the optimum conditions for stable hydrogel fabrication. The copolymeric hydrogels exhibit unique characteristics in terms of mechanical properties, porosity, pH, temperature, responsive behavior, and niacin release. In-vitro release of niacin from the hydrogels at different pH (water of pH 7.0, simulated intestinal fluid of pH 4.5 and simulated gastric fluid of pH 1.5) was also investigated. The water absorption and in vitro niacin release was observed to be higher at higher pH. Different kinetic models were applied to check the best fit for the niacin release mechanism. The results revealed that the kinetics data of the niacin release shows the best fit with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model due to its coefficient of correlation close to unity. Therefore, in this study, a new approach was successfully suggested for the preparation of N–AmGA/HEMA copolymeric hydrogel with controllable and prolonged release of niacin for possible application in vitamin deficiency disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial pigments are gaining more attention in recent times due to their versatile applications in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and textile industries. The development of microbial pigments is a challenging task due to the presence of inexpensive synthetic dyes in the market. However, the harmful side effects of most of the azo and benzidine synthetic dyes have compelled many scientists and experts to shift their attention to chemically greener routes of dye production. Micro-organisms are endowed with the potential to produce useful natural colorants such as carotenoids on an industrial scale at relatively low costs. This review aims to provide crucial information on the biodiversity, distribution, pathogenicity, ecological and industrial applications of microbial pigments, as well as challenges and future directions for food, textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical applications. It also highlights the challenges faced by the use and development of food and textile-grade pigments and proposes recommendations to deal with these challenges using advanced techniques, including metabolic engineering and gene editing technologies. • This review article provides an up-to-date knowledge regarding the biosynthesis of microbial pigments from microorganisms. • The methods to increase the yield of microbial pigment using modern-day technologies have also been reviewed in detail. • This review provides detailed information regrading the applications of microbial pigments in various industries. • This review highlights the challenges faced by the use of food and textile-grade pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]