Cashew tree gum for biomaterials engineering: A versatile raw material in consolidation

Abstract

In this review, the focus of discussion is the polysaccharide fraction of cashew gum (CG), an exudate of Anacardium occidentale L., a plant typical of hot and humid tropical climates commonly found in northeastern Brazil and from which cashew nuts are extensively commercialized. CG purification, biological activity, and physical–chemical properties are explored in this work, in addition to applications of this biopolymer as a component of biomaterials used to either support, enhance, or replace damaged tissues or improve biological function. Evidence of its successful use to produce a range of biomaterials, from particles to gels and films, and to improve properties of already existing formulations are provided, supporting its versatility in this field of application.

On the Unique Morphology and Elastic Properties of Multi-jet Electrospun Cashew Gum-Based Fiber Mats

“…This effect on PEO has not been reported before; however, spontaneous fiber orientation has been reported before, for instance in electrospun fibers based on polystyrene of a similar high molecular weight [74]. A contribution to significant fiber bundling seems also to be promoted by glycerol (see Control_3), possibly as a consequence of the interactions between the CG polysaccharide and the glycerol hydroxyl groups, which bring in efficient electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, leading to strong self-association [14,75] as the solvent evaporates while flying towards the collector [76]. Moreover, the presence of glucuronic acid as an end residue in the branched galactan core of CG [12,[77][78][79], imparting a net polyanionic nature to the polysaccharide [12,14], may additionally contribute to the canceling out of the neat charge with the positive charges generated by the high voltage [70], thereby diminishing the overall electric field strength experienced by the biopolymer in its flights to the collector, hence helping to suppress the whipping motion and facilitating the strong bundling of the fibers.…”

Chemical Modifications and Applications of Cashew Byproducts - A Selective Review

“…These applications have been reviewed 45 , particularly for micro and nanoparticulate delivery systems. Another review 48 covered the applications of cashew gum as part of biomaterials to support, augment, or replace damaged tissues or enhance biological function. In another review 49 , pharmaceutical and biomaterials applications of several natural gums, including cashew gum, were summarized.…”

On the Unique Morphology and Elastic Properties of Multi-Jet Electrospun Cashew Gum-Based Fiber Mats

“…The extraction can also be promoted by the use of chemical stimulants [10]. Cashew gum structure is characterized by a highly branched galactan arrangement composed of branched chain of ß-(1-3)-linked D-galactose residues interspaced with ß-(1-6) linkages [11,12], in which the main residues are represented by galactose (59-73%), glucose (6-14%), arabinose (4-5%), rhamnose (2-4%) and glucuronic acid (6-14%) [13,14]. Among the potential cashew gum applications, several studies have been conducted revealing its huge potential in different sectors such as food, pharma, and food packaging, among others [15,16].…”