Okra Gum as a Natural Biodegradable Polymer: Comparative Evaluation with Synthetic Polymers

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns associated with non-biodegradable synthetic polymers have intensified the need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in life sciences. In this study, okra gum, a natural polysaccharide extracted from Abelmoschus esculentus, was systematically evaluated as a biodegradable polymer and compared with commonly used synthetic polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polylactic acid (PLA). The investigation encompassed physicochemical characterization, biodegradability, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and pharmaceutical applicability.

The results demonstrated that okra gum exhibited significantly higher biodegradability (85 ± 3%) and swelling capacity (90 ± 4%) compared to synthetic polymers, indicating its superior hydrophilic and eco-friendly nature. Although synthetic polymers showed greater mechanical strength, okra gum provided adequate structural integrity for pharmaceutical applications. Tablet formulation studies further confirmed its effectiveness as a binder, producing tablets with desirable hardness, low friability, and sustained drug release (70 ± 3% over 12 hours). Drug release kinetics followed the Higuchi diffusion model, indicating controlled release behavior mediated by gel layer formation.

Additionally, the study highlights the potential application of okra gum in buccal drug delivery systems, where its mucoadhesive and swelling properties facilitate prolonged drug residence time and enhanced bioavailability by bypassing first-pass metabolism. Overall, the findings establish okra gum as a promising, biocompatible, and sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers, with significant potential in controlled drug delivery and biomedical applications