Paramylon and synthesis of its ionic derivatives: Applications as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrants and as colloid flocculants

Abstract

Paramylon, a high molecular weight polysaccharide, is a linear and unbranched (1→3)-β-D-glucan. Despite itsnumerous biological benefits, the poor aqueous solubility of crystalline paramylon is a drawback that hashampered some of its applications. In an effort to make this biomaterial amenable to practical uses, cationic andanionic paramylon derivatives were obtained. The degrees of sustitution of both products were determined. Theproducts were characterized by FT-IR spectrocopy, ESI mass spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 1H-13C NMR and SEMmicroscopy. These techniques confirmed the success of the subtitution reactions. 1H NMR analysis was used todevelop alternative methods for an approximate estimation of the degree of sustitution. 1H-13C HSQC NMRspectra were assigned for both derivatives. New applications of native, cationic and anionic paramylon werefound. Native paramylon showed similar performance as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrant than sodium croscarmellose.Cationic paramylon behavior as colloid flocculant was comparable with commercial cationic polyacrylamides.The anionic derivative could eventually be used in the formulation of matrix controlled releasesystems or as a suspending agent.