ABSTRACT
Over the last decade, much interest has been developed in producing polymer-based materials from natural sources owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, affordability, availability, and nontoxic behavior. Among the enormous variety of natural polymers, Agar-Agar is a unique natural polymer that increasingly preferred over synthetic materials in addition to being considered alternative sources of raw materials for pharmaceutical applications. Due to its outstanding intrinsic properties, for example, the strength of the gel produced from Agar-Agar, it is highly sought in the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical applications of Agar-Agar are mostly as an agent for gelation, stabilization, and thickening. In addition to that, purgative use of Agar-agar and as surgical aid is also common. Many works have been done by researchers to obtain Agar-based materials such as a composite hydrogel, nanocomposite film, etc. to use in pharmaceutical sectors. An injectable and phase-changeable composite hydrogel made from Agar was prepared for treating tumors having the use in both chemo and photothermal therapy. This composite hydrogel was able to load and subsequently release chemotherapeutics and antibiotics. Moreover, Agar-based nanocomposite film showed efficacy 72in inhibiting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Blends of Agar and different polysaccharides are also gaining importance in pharmaceutical aspects. This chapter gives an overview of the key features of inherent properties of Agar-Agar, their modification, with special attention to potential pharmaceutical applications.
