Locust bean gum-based micro- and nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Biopolymers or natural polymers are polymers acquired from natural sources; they are readily accessible, biodegradable, comparatively low-cost, and altered by appropriate reagents. Many new biomolecules with therapeutic potential have been identified and brought to the market in recent decades. Locust bean gum (LBG) is one such biopolymer with immense potential in drug formulations due to its broad relevance in food and pharmaceuticals. LBG-based formulations, due to their nontoxic nature, demonstrate sustained-release behavior and can also be used as mucoadhesives in some formulations. The pharmaceutical applications of microparticles and nanoparticles of LBG are currently in the progressive phase. Several studies have explored the different uses of LBG in multiple forms of drug delivery systems. The chapter discusses some of the applications of micro and nano LBG particles in the biomedical field.