Natural Gum Research Articles

Novel crosslinked gum tragacanth electrolyte with enhanced thermal, mechanical and water resistive properties

Although electrolytes prepared from natural substances have taken up research towards a greener future, practical difficulties in their mechanical and water resistive properties are yet to be addressed by many. In this current paper, a natural gum tragacanth is graft copolymerized with tertiary butyl acrylate utilising glutaraldehyde as the crosslinker and ascorbic acid and potassium persulfate as the initiators. From the TGA analysis, enhanced thermal stability is observed in the crosslinked membrane. The DSC analysis reveals that the crosslinked gum exhibits a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 66 °C and a melting temperature (Tm) of 86 °C. The water uptake of the crosslinked membrane was found to be lower than the pure non-crosslinked membrane. The stress-strain curves of the crosslinked electrolyte showed a tensile strength of 3.58Mpa and a percent elongation of 302%. The effect of the crosslinker glutaraldehyde and the ionic salt lithium nitrate is studied with the help of XRD and FTIR. The electrolyte is characterised to be a good ionic conductive membrane as its conductivity value is found to be 4.72 ×10−4 Scm−1 through EIS measurements. The Arrhenius behaviour of temperature-dependent conductivity was studied and the activation energy values for all the films were calculated.

Yellow mustard gum: pilot-scale production and characterization.

Yellow mustard gum (YMG), which is extracted from the mucilaginous part of yellow mustard bran, has been considered an emerging natural hydrocolloid gum but lacks commercial development and production. To promote the commercial utilization of YMG, this study developed a pilot-scale YMG production protocol in an economic and environmentally friendly way to produce a clean-label YMG product. This YMG produced at pilot scale (YMW) was characterized in terms of chemical composition, rheological properties, and interaction with a commercial gum, κ-carrageenan, and was compared with purified YMG through ethanol precipitation (YME). The protocol processed up to 100 L of raw material with zero solvent and a minimal number of steps and showed strong quasi-industrial potential. The YMW showed a similar chemical composition as YME. However, the YMW contained a slightly lower amount of carbohydrate and a much larger amount of ash and potassium than the YME. The rheological results concluded that both the YMW and YME solutions exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior and a weak gel, with YME showing higher viscosity and stronger gel structure. Most interestingly, YMW could form unpourable gels when blended with native κ-carrageenan whereas YME barely achieved this despite the equivalent total gum concentration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of YMG production at a large scale with economic and green procedures and discovered its new functionality for commercial utilization. The gelling ability of YMG could provide it with wider applications as a result of a new potential synergistic combination. All this information should accelerate the process of full commercialization of YMG as a clean-label functional ingredient. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Polylactic Acid/Saqqez Gum Blends for Chewing Gum Applications: Impact of Plasticizers on Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties.

This study investigated a blend of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Saqqez gum, with a weight ratio of 70:30, respectively, along with two plasticizers, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), at three different concentrations (14%, 16% and 18% by weight of the PLA). The blend was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests, water-absorption behavior (coefficients of water absorption, sorption, diffusion and permeability of the samples during 240 h) and chemical resistance (exposure to 1 mol/L HCl and 1 mol/L NaOH for 240 h). The desired elastomer blend was then used to prepare natural chewing gum, which was subsequently subjected to texture profile analyzer (TPA) tests and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the addition of both plasticizers increased the tensile properties of the blend. Compared to neat PLA, all the blends exhibited an increase in elongation at break and a decrease in yield strength, with the maximum elongation at break (130.6%) and the minimum yield strength (12.2 MPa) observed in the blend containing 16% ATBC. Additionally, all the thermal attributes studied, including Tg, Tc and Tm, were lower than those of neat PLA, and the Tg values deviated from the values predicted via Fox's equation. SEM images of the blends confirmed that plasticization improved the homogeneity and distribution of the components in the blend structure. PEG 18% and ATBC 16% exhibit the highest and lowest water-absorption behavior, respectively. Regarding chemical resistance, all blends showed weight gain when exposed to HCl, while no weight loss was observed for resistance to NaOH. The chewing gum sample obtained similar values for the mentioned tests compared to the commercial control sample. Overall, the results indicate that plasticization enhances the structure and performance of the PLA/Saqqez gum blend and further investigation is warranted.

Building an Elastic Mechanical Network for Highly Efficient Silicon‐Based Anodes

AbstractSilicon (Si), known for its high theoretical capacity, holds promise for developing high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsic low conductivity and substantial volume expansion limit its commercial application. Developing a binder that can suppress the massive volume expansion while improving Si conductivity is particularly important for LIBs based on Si anode. Here, grafting natural adhesive cationic guar gum (CGG) with small molecular acrylamide (AM) is proposed and applied it to the Si‐based anode. The rigid guar gum main chain and the elastic polymerized acrylamide (pAM) side chain forms a 3D network that completely encapsulated Si nanoparticles and cross‐linked with the natural hydroxyl groups on the surface of Si particles through abundant functional groups. Numerous link anchors and robust mechanical networks facilitate lithium‐ion transport and effectively mitigated the significant stress generated by silicon during charge and discharge cycles. Based on this innovative design, the Si@CGG@pAM@SP (Super P) electrode demonstrates excellent long‐term cycle stability and rate performance. The Si@CGG@pAM@SP electrode preserves 2086 mAh g−1 discharge capacity after 100 cycles (corresponding to 91.5% capacity retention). Physical characterization and electrochemical tests confirm the rationality of the polymer binder design, serving as a valuable reference for the material design of lithium‐ion batteries.

Biopharmaceutical distribution and pharmacodynamic evaluation of intra nasal in-situ gel of Lamotrigine for brain targeted drug delivery

Background: The present research investigates the nasal delivery of Lamotrigine by incorporating it into a natural in-situ gelling system. Additionally, the retention of the drug in the nasal cavity was enhanced by employing the natural mucoadhesive polymer locust bean gum (LBG). A preliminary investigation was conducted to determine the optimal concentration of gellan gum. The dosage of the drug was calculated using the Robinson Erikson equation. The central composite design was utilized to optimize the influence of individual variables such as gellan gum and locust bean gum on various responses, including gelation time, gel viscosity, mucoadhesive strength, and the time taken for the drug to release half of its initial concentration (t50). The goal of the current study was to evaluate the in-vivo effectiveness of intra nasal in-situ gel of Lamotrigine. Methodology: The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies were carried out to evaluate the brain targeting efficiency of lamotrigine. Blood samples and tissues of various vital organs like brain, liver, kidneys and heart were obtained at different time intervals, plasma and tissue concentration of Lamotrigine was estimated by reverse phase HPLC. Results: According to the pharmacokinetic analysis, Cmax and AUC0-α is found to be significantly more (P<0.05) for nasal route compared to oral route. In comparison to the oral route, Cmax and AUC0-α was 7 and 6.5 folds more for IN route. The absolute bioavailability was found to be 159.07%. with regard to the oral group, minimal drug was present in any of the other tissue samples. In the pharmacodynamic data also the formulation through nasal route showed a significant difference compared to oral route (pure drug suspension) delivery in PTZ induced study. Keywords: Lamotrigine, in-vivo study, tissue distribution, pharmacodynamics

Development of highly bacterial filtration efficient and antibacterial cellulose acetate/gum rosin composite nanofibers for facemask application

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a non-toxic, renewable, and biodegradable polymeric material that can be effectively electrospuned into bacterial filtration efficient nanofiber membrane for face mask application. However, its fragile and non-antibacterial nature influenced its scalability. In this context, natural antibacterial gum rosin (GR) additive can be explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce a CA/GR composite nanofibers membrane for the finest bacterial filtration, excellent antibacterial moiety, and improved tensile properties for facemask application. Hence, in this work, we have studied the effect of GR concentrations (0–15 g) on the needleless electrospinning behavior and fibers' morphology through rheology, electrical conductivity, and SEM analysis. These analyses revealed that GR significantly affects the fibers' spinning behavior, morphology, and diameter of the produced fibers. Later, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy mapped the functional changes in the produced nanofibers that affirmed the integration of GR with CA polymer. This modification resulted in a 3-fold rise in tensile strength and an 11-fold decline in elongation% in 15 g CA/GR composite nanofibers membrane than the control sample. Furthermore, it has shown 98.79 ± 0.10% bacterial filtration efficiency and ∼ 93 % reduction in Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebsiella Pneumoniae bacterial growth, elucidating a high-efficiency level for potential facemask application.

In-situ biosynthesized plant exudate gums‑silver nanocomposites as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in hydrochloric acid medium

Natural gums due to availability, multifunctionality, and nontoxicity are multifaceted in application. In corrosion inhibition applications, their performance, in unmodified form is unsatisfactory because of high hydration rate, solubility issues, algal and microbial contamination, as well as thermal instability. This work attempts to enhance the inhibitive performance of Berlinia grandiflora (BEG) and cashew (CEG) exudate gums through various modification approaches. The potential of biogenic BEG and CEG gums−silver (Ag) nanocomposites (NCPs) for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M HCl is studied. The nanocomposites were characterized using the FTIR, UV–vis, and TEM techniques. The corrosion studies through the gravimetric and electrochemical (PDP, EIS, LPR, and EFM) analyses reveal moderate inhibition performance by the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the PDP results reveal that both inhibitors are mixed-type with maximum corrosion inhibition efficiencies (IEs) of 61.2 % and 54.2 % for BEG-Ag NCP and CEG-Ag NCP, respectively at an optimum concentration of 1.0 %. Modification of these inhibitors with iodide ion (KI) significantly increased the IE values to 90.1 % and 88.5 % for BEG-Ag NCP and CEG-Ag NCP at the same concentration. Surface observation of the uninhibited and inhibited steel samples using SEM/EDAX, 3D Surface profilometer, and AFM affirm that the modified nanocomposites are highly effective.

Distribution, importance and constraints in gum and resin bearing species in Ethiopia

Dry forest is the largest forest type in Ethiopia that currently covers 55 M ha. These forests are predominantly rich in Acacia, Boswellia and Commiphora species that gives the important export commodities such as gum arabic, frankincense and myrrh. However, these forests are suffering by huge degradation due to anthropogenic pressures also they are shrinking continuously by the expansion of agricultural lands, human settlement, overgrazing, and lack of policy and inappropriate tapping method. The aim of this paper was to review distribution, importance and constraints in gum and resin bearing species in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia expected areas covered by natural gum and resin bearing species in the different regions, the leading one Tigray have 940000 ha coverage, the other Amhara, Oromía, Gam-bela, Somalia, Beneshangul-Gumuz, Nationalities and Peoples of the South (SNNP) and Afar followed Tigray region respectively. The majority of the households in rural Ethiopia make use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for different purposes, extending from food, feed, energy, and medicine to income generation and cultural practices. Among the range of NTFPs, gums and resins are advanta-geous trade commodities with a potential for helping social and economic developments both at rural and urban areas in Ethiopia. Commercial gums and resins are produced in rural areas, traded in urban and utilized by western countries and, hence, touch varied ranges of human lives and cross-sections. Therefore, adequate research and clear action oriented plans, improve tapping methods, clear policy about utilization and conservation gum and resin bearing species and identify method of propagation is recommended.

Preparation and Evaluation of Microspheres of Natural Gums Containing Lamivudine

Preparation and Evaluation of Microspheres of Natural Gums Containing Lamivudine

A Review on Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Natural Gums

The nanoparticles due to their nano-size can convey the drug at nanoscales and distribute it to the targeted site in a required design. Their specialized mechanism of uptake enables the enhanced bioavailability of a drug. The formulation of nanoparticles may be done using synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural polymers. Synthetic polymers employed for the development of nanoparticles can cause toxicity but the use of natural polymers can facilitate a non-toxic process for the synthesis. It is a recent trend to use natural materials in place of synthetic ones. Natural gums can be employed as natural reducing and capping agents for just nanotechnology production, and they may indirectly or directly impact the formulation's release and absorption rates. In other cases, they can have a medicinal synergic application to nano-formulations. The involvement of polymers to formulate the nanoparticles is contingent on their physical and chemical properties and the drug to be loaded. Natural gums act as an excellent template for drug loading and may be used as nanoparticles for controlled release properties. This review tried to give light on various natural gums that can be utilized for the synthesis of nanoparticles.

Examining the wound healing potential of curcumin-infused electrospun nanofibers from polyglutamic acid and gum arabic

Advancements in medicine have led to continuous enhancements and innovations in wound dressing materials, making them pivotal in medical care. We used natural biological macromolecules, γ-polyglutamic acid and gum arabic as primary raw materials to create nanofibers laden with curcumin by blending electrostatic spinning technology in the current investigation. These nanofibers were meticulously characterized using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our comprehensive analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of curcumin within the nanofiber carrier and it has uniform diameter, good water absorption and mechanical properties. Subsequently, we evaluated the antimicrobial effects of these curcumin-loaded nanofibers against Staphylococcus aureus through an oscillating flask method. We created a mouse model with acute full-thickness skin defects to further investigate the wound healing potential. We conducted various biochemical assays to elucidate the mechanism of action. The results revealed that curcumin nanofibers profoundly impacted wound healing. They bolstered the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, leading to an accelerated re-epithelialization process, enhanced wound contraction, and increased regeneration of new blood vessels and hair follicles. Furthermore, these nanofibers positively influenced the proportion of three different collagen types. This comprehensive study underscores the remarkable potential of curcumin-loaded nanofibers to facilitate wound healing and lays a robust experimental foundation for developing innovative, natural product-based wound dressings.

Effect of quantitative brine process and curdlan gel on texture quality of spiced beef

In order to solve the problems of loose texture and low quality of brined beef in the actual production process, this study took beef tendon as raw material, firstly, carried out the study of quantitative brining process to determine the optimal brining process; then, used the brine injection technique to add curdlan gel, and then used texture profile analysis (TPA) to study the effect of different types and amounts of curdlan gel (0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) on the textural properties of the brined beef. (TPA) was used to study the effects of different types and amounts of curdlan gel (0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) on the textural properties of brined beef. The optimum quantitative brining conditions for brined beef were determined by one-way and orthogonal tests: marinating time of 6 hours, brining time of 40 minutes and simmering time of 20 minutes, which gave the highest overall acceptability score. The results of the test calculations showed that the content of curdlan gel No. 1 was 71% and the content of curdlan gel No. 2 was 45%. The results of texture analysis showed that the hardness, stickiness and chewiness of the brined beef in the group added with curdlan gel gum No.1 decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the changes of elasticity, cohesiveness and reactivity were not significant (P>0.05); the hardness of the brined beef in the group added with curdlan gel gum No.2 increased slightly, and the changes of stickiness, chewiness, elasticity, cohesiveness and reactivity were not significant (P>0.05), indicating that the hardness of meat products did not necessarily just show a decreasing trend with the increase of the content of curdlan gel gum. After comprehensive analysis, it was concluded that, since the content of the available natural gum No.1 was significantly higher than that of No.2, the effect on the texture was also significantly higher than that of No.2, among which the effects on hardness, viscosity and chewiness were significant (P>0.05). Moreover, regardless of the curdlan gel No.1 or No.2, the overall analysis revealed that the effect on the texture of marinated beef was the greatest when the added amount of curdlan gel gum was 2%. Therefore, the addition of appropriate amount of curdlan gel gum during the processing of marinated meat products can effectively improve the quality of meat and prolong its shelf-life.

Exploring the Versatility of Topical Gels: - An Overview

Topical gels represent semi-solid formulations characterized by a phase of matter existence that is fluid encased within A three-dimensional structure made of polymers, typically consisting of synthetic or natural gums with substantial cross-linking, achieved either chemically or physically. Their unique composition enables diverse applications owing to their intermediate state between liquid and solid phases. In recent times, topical gels have garnered significant interest across various sectors, including industry, research, education, drug regulation, and professional fields. Special emphasis is placed on the utilization of gels in drug delivery systems; the discussion serves to provide insights into the versatility and involving landscape of topical gels, catering to the interests and needs of professionals and researchers in diverse domains.

Synergistic impact of natural gums and crosslinkers on the properties of oilseed meals based biopolymeric films

The waste material utilization from available agricultural resources can be beneficial in the field of economic, social, and environmental well-being. One of the main industrial crops used to manufacture oil from oilseeds worldwide is agricultural waste, such as the cake made from oilseeds. In this study, de-oiled cakes are used to create biopolymeric films. Three widely accessible oilseed meals viz. flaxseed, soybean, and mustard were gathered, ground, and sieved. A film forming suspension of defatted meals along with natural gums (acacia and xanthan gum) and crosslinkers (citric acid and glutaraldehyde) were formed. The suspension was cast into petri dishes and dried to produce smooth and even films. The physical, functional, color, thermal and morphological properties of the oilseed meals-gums crosslinked biopolymeric film were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed. The solubility was found to be decreased and tensile strength was increased with the addition of citric acid and increase in tensile strength. There was significant difference observed in the values of elongation at break after addition of citric acid as crosslinker. The research shows how oilseed meals enriched with natural gum and crosslinkers may be converted into biopolymeric films, which can then be used in food packaging to lessen reliance on petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastics.

Tragacanth gum-based hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications

Natural polymers have many uses, and Tragacanth gum is just one of them. Many people are interested in natural gums because of their many attractive characteristics, such as being ‘green’ bio-based renewable materials, being easily accessible, inexpensive, and structurally diverse. One class of naturally occurring polysaccharides is called gum because of its tendency to create a gel or a thick solution. Among the many plant-based raw materials, these polysaccharide gums are abundant. Hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymeric webs that can imitate live tissues, have demonstrated remarkable potential as adjustable biomaterials in numerous regenerative techniques due to their high water or biological exudate absorption capacities. Natural polysaccharides, often known as gums, are present in many different types of trees and possess many desirable properties, such as being renewable, biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and amenable to chemical modification. Many people are curious about certain parts of the food, water, energy, biotech, environmental, and healthcare sectors as of now. Gum, a type of very important and unique food ingredient, has many vital uses in the food business. Cosmetics, coating, photosensitive resin, fertilizer, casting, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco are just a few of the non-food businesses that make use of their strong water-affinity and structural plasticity. There are a lot of benefits to hydrogels made from natural gums as opposed to those made from synthetic sources. Synthesis hydrogel polymers have been the center of interest among these non-food applications because of their extensive use in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. The Tragacanth gum hydrogels used for medication delivery and tissue engineering have been the focus of this study. We also paid close attention to drug delivery, physical-chemical properties, and the extraction of Tragacanth gum. Our research has a wide range of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering for bone, skin, fixation of bone, periodontal, and cartilage. Possible futures based on hydrogels made of Tragacanth gum were likewise our primary focus.

Extraction, characterization and concentration regimes of the natural gum from Triumfetta cordifolia stem bark

Gum extracted from the Triumfetta. cordifolia plant is traditionally used for its impressive and versatile properties, but many of its intrinsic characteristics still remain poorly documented. This article presents the extraction, purification and physicochemical characterization of the gum present in the stem bark of the plant on the one hand, and the delineation of its concentration regimes in solution on the other. To this end, fresh stem bark was collected and cold extracted in distilled water, followed by ethanol precipitation. The gum was then characterized by elemental analysis, ICP-AES, FT-IR, ATG and GC-FID. Finally, the intrinsic viscosity was determined and concentration regimes delineated using both capillary viscometry and rheometry. Results revealed a monosaccharide composition rich in uronic acids, making T. cordifolia gum a polyelectrolyte, with a high mineral charge, and physicochemical properties similar to those of other polyelectrolyte gums. T. cordifolia gum solutions showed a relatively high intrinsic viscosity (24.3 ± 2.3 dL g−1) and exhibited three distinct concentration regimes (namely dilute, semi-dilute and concentrated) separated by two critical concentrations (C* = 0.3 g L−1 and C** = 1.4 g L−1). These properties open up new prospects for the use of T. cordifolia gum as a texturizing and structuring agent for a variety of mixtures and complex preparations such as emulsions.

Natural rubber – Increasing diversity of an irreplaceable renewable resource

This paper discusses the importance of introducing domestic natural rubber production and presents the rediscovery of a rubber-producing species, Scorzonera tau-saghyz or “mountain gum”, originally discovered in 1929 on the Karatau mountains in Kazakhstan. This plant could potentially also be cultivated in the U.S. In this exploratory work, roots (2–5 years old) were harvested on June 16, 2021 from wild strands in the Karatau mountains, Kumantas ridge, and Saraba, Kazakhstan, and processed at the Ohio State University. The rubber extraction method was based on an indigenous method in Kazakhstan to make natural chewing gum. Water extraction followed by purification yielded 16.2 wt% rubber from the dry roots, in comparison with 4–8 wt% from most rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) plants, also a potential domestic rubber producing plant. High-resolution size exclusion chromatography was used to analyze rubber samples. The molecular weights and gel and oligomer contents were very similar to the rubber from Hevea brasiliensis, the current commercial source of natural rubber. More detailed investigations of this very interesting rubber-producing plant are in progress.

Design and Development of Cefpodoxime Proxetil Dry Suspension Using Fenugreek Powder as Natural Suspending Agent

Dry suspension refers to commercial dry solutions that must be dispensed with water. The bitter taste has had a significant impact on the development of oral preparations and therapeutic uses for numerous toxic medicines. The majority of patients want to take effective treatments that taste good and are easy to administer. It is also defined as an intimate mixture of dry, finely split medication and excipients that, when mixed with an appropriate vehicle, produces a suspension. Reconstitutable suspension is reconstituted at the time of use and can thus be used as a liquid formulation, avoiding swallowing issues. When drug stability is a critical concern, the reconstituted system is the formulation of choice. A variety of commercial and government remedies are available as dry powder combinations or granules that are meant to be suspended in water or another vehicle before being taken orally. The current study attempted to compare assessment criteria by employing three natural gums as a suspending agent in a cefpodoxime proxetil oral dry suspensions: acacia, Trigonella foenum graecum (Family: Leguminosae) seeds, also known as fenugreek seeds, and xanthan gum.

Microwave-assisted Natural Gums for Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Progresses and Advances over Emerging Biopolymers and Technologies.

Natural polymers play a crucial role in a wide range of industries, allowing for extensive conjugation with a variety of materials and components to produce a vast multitude of products. Biomaterials have been extensively studied due to their application potential in pharmaceutical formulation development, tissue engineering, and biomedical fields. Despite this, many natural gums in their natural state have limitations in terms of microbial contamination, susceptibility, solubility, and stability. To surmount these limitations, chemical or physical modifications are made to the polymer to tailor its properties to particular applications. These polymer modifications integrate traditional elements of materials science, physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering. Microwave irradiation has become an established method for accelerating and facilitating chemical modification reactions over the past several decades. This method allows for the efficient execution of synthesis protocols by providing precise temperature and voltage control. In addition, microwave irradiation contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly chemistry principles. This article highlights the importance of microwave-assisted natural gum modification in the production of novel dosage forms.

Natural okra gum as functional binder enables highly stable Lithium–Selenium batteries

Lithium–selenium (Li–Se) batteries are garnered significant attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity, high volumetric energy density and moderate output voltage. Nevertheless, Li–Se batteries are still restricted by severe volume expansion and “shuttle effect” of polyselenides, resulting in deteriorated electrochemical performance. Binders are a crucial component of Li–Se batteries, playing a key role in addressing the mentioned issues. Herein, a non-toxic, bio-friendly, hydro-soluble binder of okra gum (OG) extracted from okra pods is proposed to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of Li–Se batteries. The as-prepared OG binders are rich in branched-chain polysaccharides (glucoside) and polar functional groups (–C–O–C–, –COOH), which not only have a good interpenetrating binding network to ensure the mechanical stability of Se cathode, but also have excellent interfacial chemical binding force for immobilizing polyselenides. Consequently, the OG binder endows Li–Se batteries with high initial discharge capacity (607 mA h g−1 at 0.2C), good cycling stability (218 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2C), and remarkable rate performance (364 mA h g−1 at 1C), all of which are superior to Li–Se batteries with PVDF binder. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of natural mucilage as functional binder for Li–Se batteries and paves a research path in developing natural plant-based binders to stabilize electrode materials for reliable high-energy batteries.