Synthesis and characterization of novel amphiphilic tamarind seed xyloglucan-octenyl succinic anhydride conjugate

Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) has been widely reported for modification of starches and bears an amphiphilic character and is permitted for food applications. The present study was conducted to impart an amphiphilic character to tamarind seed xyloglucan (TSX) by its conjugation to OSA with an objective to impart amphiphilicity. The conjugate gains an amphiphilic character when hydrophilic groups of TSX bonded to hydrophobic octenyl groups. The TSX-OSA conjugate was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The FTIR, NMR results confirmed the conjugation of TSX-OSA. The TGA analysis revealed lower thermal stability of TSX-OSA conjugate due to introduction of hydrophobic OSA group thereby further confirming conjugation. The SEM micrograph shows that the conjugate possess a smoother surface in comparison to TSX. Hence, the conjugate can be envisaged as an improved material thereby expanding the applications of TSX in terms of its use in designing new products for drug delivery as well as for food applications.