Synthesis of acrylate guar-gum for delivery of bio-active molecules

Modification of natural polymers by graft copolymerization is a promising technique as it functionalizes these biopolymer to their potential, imparting desirable properties onto them. Grafting with vinyl monomers is the route for modifying the properties of the naturally occurring guar-gum for their better industrial exploitation and development of various commercial products. Acrylated guar-gum chain is synthesized and analysed using Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques to gain an insight into the particle size and structural features. Chlorpyrifos is then entrapped into the polymer, and its release is studied under various conditions. Critical factors influencing the size, entrapment efficiency and release behaviour of entrapped chlorpyrifos have been studied.