Benzoylation of Iota Carrageenan: Development of a Stable, Conductive, and Hydrophobic Drug Carrier with Reduced Toxicity and Improved Gel‐Forming Ability

Abstract

AbstractIota carrageenan is characterized as a hydrocolloid, with the limitations of hygroscopicity and hydrophilicity. Here, each of these factors is addressed to enhance the stability, and hydrophobicity through the protection of highly reactive primary alcohol and the formation of stable, improved hydrophobic, and conductive gel for the loading of lipophilic drugs. The functionalized polymer is evaluated through the microscopic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the compounds, which confirm the confined nature of the functionalized polymer. Moreover, the values changed from compound 1 (iota carrageenan) to compound 2 (benzoyl liked iota carrageenan) included Log P (partition coefficient) from −0.97 to 0.90, calculated partition coefficient (cLog P) from −2.50 to 0.12, and total polar surface area (TPSA) from 214.1 to 208.57, which strongly suggest the enhanced hydrophobic character of functionalized polymers. The enhancement is further concluded by the loading of the lipophilic drug inside the core of functionalized polymer‐based gel. The enhanced loading of the drug clearly shows the improved hydrophobicity (56–86%) of the gel core of the functionalized compounds. In summary, a polymer with enhanced stability, hydrophobicity, conductivity, and capacity to make a more stable gel, with enhanced drug‐loading capability of water‐insoluble drugs, will be the best way to resolve the low bioavailability issue of the water‐insoluble drug.