Konjac glucomannan is natural polysaccharide that has physical properties in the form of high viscosity and gel-forming capacity that can be widely utilized in various fields, especially the pharmaceutical and food industries. However, the characteristics of high viscosity and limited stability of the solution are things that need to be considered in the application of konjac glucomannan directly. Chemical modification, particularly through carboxymethylation, produces carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) derivatives characterized by increased water solubility, decreased viscosity, and improved thermal stability. CMKGM shows potential as carrier in more specific drug delivery systems by providing controlled and responsive drug release under physiological conditions, such as pH changes and enzymatic activity. This study reviews the basic structure of Konjac glucomannan, chemical modification techniques, and the applications of CMKGM in the development of both in vitro and in vivo drug delivery systems.
Keywords: Konjac glucomannan,
How to cite this article: Lestari DAP, Rijal MAS, Hariyadi DM, Modification of Konjac Glucomannan to Carboxymethyl Konjac Glucomannan (CMKGM) and its Development as a Drug Carrier. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1): 112-118. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.1.12