The Cutting Edge Quest: Epic Saga of Carboxymethyl Guar Gum in Drug Delivery and Roads Ahead

ABSTRACT The search for novel drug delivery systems has generated great interest in biopolymer‐based carriers. Among these, carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG) has been shown to be promising. CMGG is a chemically modified derivative of guar gum that is synthesized by carboxymethylation with monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide under optimized conditions. This improves the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide, which are enhanced hydrophilicity, viscosity, and swelling behavior compared to unmodified Guar gum. This review focuses on the wide applications of CMGG in drug delivery systems, thus underlining its versatility as an excipient based on its unique properties. Key features such as pseudoplasticity allow for the effective delivery of drugs in controlled‐release systems. Advanced characterization techniques, like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirm the structural changes due to carboxymethylation; further aspects are emphasized with rheological studies, which highlight its applicability in pharmaceutical fields. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of CMGG add to the advantages, offering safety and compatibility with the environment in therapeutic applications. The capacity of CMGG to enclose hydrophilic drugs as well as control release profiles shows a promise for further therapeutic efficacy enhancement with patient safety. This review further puts forward that CMGG represents an excellent means in the development of novel drug delivery systems for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.