Characterization of Tragacanth Gum as Biomedical and Food Adjuvant:Determination of Temperature-Dependent Coefficients of Viscosity andSurface Tension

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the temperature-dependent coefficients of viscosity and surface tension of Gum tragacanth. Background: Gum tragacanth is used as a substance to increase viscosity, stabilize, emulsify, and suspend other substances. In recent years, it has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cosmetics, and food adjuvants. Therefore, characterizing its temperature-dependent viscosity is crucial for its pilot-scale applications. Objective: Characterization of the temperature-dependent coefficient of viscosity and surface tension of gum tragacanth, to establish it as an alternative source of natural gums for commercial applications. Method: The effect of temperature on the rheological behaviors of the polymeric solution has been studied. Furthermore, the Arrhenius, Gibbs–Helmholtz, Frenkel–Eyring, and Eotvos equations were utilized to compute the temperature coefficient, viscosity, surface tension, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, Reynolds number, and entropy of fusion, respectively. Results: The study revealed that the activation energy of gum tragacanth was 1559.70 kJ/mol, with entropy and enthalpy changes of 56.34 kJ/mol and 1122.80 kJ/mol, respectively. A decrease in viscosity and surface tension was observed with rising temperature. The Reynolds number was 0.0053, and Gibbs free energy was -15779.2 kJ/mol. Compared to Albizia lebbek gum, gum tragacanth exhibited greater temperature stability, indicating its potential as a reliable, multifunctional additive in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications due to its robust physicochemical properties. Conclusion: The exceptional physicochemical qualities of gum tragacanth polymer make it a promising excipient for drug formulation in the years to come, paving the way for its widespread use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.