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This work demonstrates a facile pathway to develop a biopolymer based amphiphilic macromolecule through reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, using dextran (a biopolymer) as starting material. Also, a new hydrophobic monomer [2-methyl-acrylic acid 1-benzyl-1H-[1,2,3] triazol-4-ylmethyl ester (MABTE)] has been synthesized using methacrylic acid via "click" approach. The resultant copolymer displays controlled radical polymerization characteristics: narrow polydispersity (Ð) and controlled molecular weight as obtained through advanced polymer chromatography (APC) analysis. In aqueous solution, the copolymer can proficiently be self-assembled to provide micellar structure, which has been evidenced from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The in-vitro cytotoxicity study illustrates the nontoxic nature of the copolymer up to 100 μg/mL polymer concentration. The copolymer has been found to be worthy as an efficient carrier for the sustained release of hydrophobic drug: Indomethacin (IND). [Display omitted] • Dextran based graft copolymer has been synthesized using RAFT polymerization. • The amphiphilic copolymer is self-assembled into polymeric micelle in aqueous media. • The copolymer is noncytotoxic in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphiphilic pentablock copolymer (CBABC-type) based on poly(propylene oxide), poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(acrylic acid) has been synthesized through ring opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) techniques. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results envisage the control nature of polymerization. Structural property and thermal behavior of the pentablock copolymer have been analyzed through various characterization techniques. Further, a novel nanocomposite comprised of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs) and penta block copolymer has been successfully developed and characterized using various techniques. Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) results indicate that the presence of copolymer has no adverse effect towards the magnetic property of Fe 3 O 4 NPs. Comparative studies towards micellar stability and pH-triggered release behavior of pentablock copolymer and nanocomposite have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

pH-responsive amphiphilic triblock copolymer derived from poly (ethylene glycol), poly (acrylamide) and poly (lactide) has been synthesized through the consecutive routes of ATRP, ROP and Click chemistry. Controlled nature of the triblock copolymer has been affirmed by the GPC analysis. Structural property and gelling nature of the copolymer have been investigated using FTIR, 1 H/ 13 C NMR spectral analyses and rheological characteristics. The synthesized copolymer is amphiphilic in nature that results to the formation of self-aggregation of the polymeric chains. The nanostructure micelle has been characterized further through AFM, FESEM and HR-TEM analyses. Encapsulation of fluorescence probe guest molecule (pyrene) into copolymer micelle and its release behaviour reveals that it is pH-stimulated and shows sustained release behaviour at pH 7.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein an amphiphilic graft copolymer has been synthesized from tamarind gum and poly (methyl methacrylate) (g-TKP/pMMA) using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in presence of CuBr/bpy catalyst. Structural and surface properties of the copolymer have been investigated using 1 H NMR and FTIR spectra, DLS, TGA and FESEM analyses. The controlled and living nature of polymerization reaction has been explored using GPC analysis, while the gel characteristics of the copolymer has been analysed by rheological study. Finally, the copolymer demonstrates excellent pH triggered selective adsorption efficacy towards removal of toxic cationic/anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of four dyes, namely Neutral Red (Basic Red 5, NR), Congo Red (Sodium salt of 3,3′-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyl)bis(4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid, CR)), Safranin O (Basic Red 2, SF), and Reactive Red 2 (Red MX-5B, RR2) onto SBA-16 material was studied in detail to investigate the plausible effect of interactions between the adsorbate and adsorbent molecule vis-a-vis determining the pore structure stability of SBA-16 and its potential application for the removal of these dyes from aqueous media. Various characterization techniques including FTIR spectra, Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, HR-XRD patterns, FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses of the adsorbent were carried out to get an insight of pre and post adsorption in surface morphology. It was observed that the dye adsorption did not introduce any serious disorder on the pore structure stability of SBA-16 and this material probably be a very promising adsorbent for the removal of both NR and SF ( q m = 276.24 mg g −1 for NR, q m = 240.39 mg g −1 for SF) from aqueous medium. Various adsorption parameters such as pH, contact time, temperature, dye concentration and adsorbent dosage was studied to provide more information about the adsorption characteristics of SBA-16. Kinetics of adsorption followed pseudo-second-order model as well as intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption isotherms data was well fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters suggest that the dye adsorption process is spontaneous. Finally, desorption experiment indicates very good regeneration efficiency of the adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthan gum (XG) and its graft co-polymer have been investigated as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 15% HCl. Gravimetric analysis, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods were employed for investigating the effectiveness of these inhibitors. Results indicate that both the inhibitors are of mixed type and follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study also confirmed the protection of the metal surface by XG and xanthan gum-graft-poly(acrylamide) (XG-g-PAM). Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) were used to establish the correlation between the structure and corrosion protection efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights the potentiality of sol–gel synthesized guar gum-graft- poly (acrylamide)/silica (g-GG/SiO 2 ) hybrid nanocomposite toward the rapid removal of toxic reactive blue 4 (RB) and Congo red (CR) dyes from aqueous solution. Various physicochemical characterizations support the feasibility of the functionalized guar gum matrix as efficient template for the formation of homogeneous nanoscale silica particles. The composite demonstrates rapid and superior adsorption efficiency of RB ( Q max : 579.01 mg g −1 within 40 min) and CR ( Q max : 233.24 mg g −1 within 30 min) dyes from aqueous environment. Here, the pH driven adsorption process depends strongly on the ionic strength of the salt solution. The adsorption kinetics data predicts that pseudo second-order (surface adsorption) and intraparticle diffusion take place simultaneously. The adsorption equilibrium is in good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm, while the thermodynamics study confirms spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. Desorption study predicts the excellent regenerative efficacy of nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose has been modified by grafting synthetic polyacrylamide chains [g-HPMC (M)] in presence of microwave irradiation, which has used as carrier for controlled release of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA). The FTIR and UV–vis–NIR studies reveal the excellent compatibility between g-HPMC (M) and 5-ASA. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–vis–NIR analyses suggest that physical interaction predominates between the drug and matrix. % equilibrium swelling ratio (% ESR) of g-HPMC (M) decreased with addition of salt solutions and follow the order: Na + > K + > Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ > Al 3+ . The in vitro 5-ASA release studies indicate that g-HPMC (M) delivers the drug preferentially in colonic region in more sustained way than that of HPMC. The 5-ASA release follows first order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. These favorable features make the graft copolymer a potential matrix for colon specific delivery of 5-ASA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate-g-poly-(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) was prepared in presence of potassium peroxydisulfate (K 2 S 2 O 8 ) as the initiator by solution polymerization technique. The so prepare graft copolymer was characterized by different characterization techniques like determination of molecular weight by SEC, FTIR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, XRD-studies. Biodegradation of the graft copolymer was analyzed by enzymatic cleavage. The graft copolymer was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles from chloroauric acid tetra hydrate (HAuCl 4 , 4H 2 O) without addition of any reducing agent. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by UV–VIS spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX). The effects of various synthetic parameters such as polymer and chloroauric acid (HAuCl 4 , 4H 2 O) concentration, pH, reaction time and temperature were studied for finding optimum condition. It was shown that the synthesized nanoparticles were rice shaped. One type of synthesized gold nanoparticles, under optimized condition was used for antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria by agar well diffusion method. The gold nanoparticles prepared under optimum condition exhibits excellent anti bacterial sensitivity to one gram negative bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC-17802) and one gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (ATCC-11774). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report an oral route administration for ciprofloxacin hydrochloride delivery using dextrin and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methylacrylate) based crosslinked hydrogel (c-Dxt/pHEMA). Various characteristics such as FTIR spectra, XRD analyses, UV–VIS–NIR spectra, FESEM and E-SEM analyses, rheological characteristics, gel kinetics, deswelling characteristics as well as biodegradation study of the hydrogel have been carried out. FTIR, XRD along with solid state UV–VIS–NIR analyses explain the good compatibility between the drug and the hydrogel matrix. The in vitro release study demonstrates that c-Dxt/pHEMA releases ciprofloxacin in a sustained way (33.75% of drug has been released in 18 h) and is expected to be a promising matrix for ciprofloxacin carrier. The release kinetics and mechanism suggest that drug release follows first order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Finally, the hydrogel shows excellent physical stability as carrier for ciprofloxacin up to 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: pH dependent hydrogels of modified tamarind kernel polysaccharide (TKP) were synthesized by grafting with polyacrylamide chains on TKP backbone in presence of microwave irradiation and initiator. The present study is carried out to design oral controlled drug delivery systems for aspirin using synthesized hydrogels as carrier in form of tablets. TKP-g-PAM based hydrogels show significant enhancement for control release of aspirin. Release behavior of aspirin has been evaluated using USP type I apparatus in 900mL of buffer solutions (pH 1.2, 6.8, 7.4), maintained at 37°C at 100rpm. It is observed that with increase in percentage of grafting (% G), swelling of matrices increases whereas erosion and rate of drug release decrease. The effect of % G onto t 50 value (time taken for release of 50% drug) has also been discussed. The release characteristics from the matrices under study show non-Fickian diffusion mechanism, suggesting the controlled release of aspirin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel flocculant based on amphoteric amylopectin for wastewater and industrial effluents treatment has been developed in authors’ laboratory. Amphoteric flocculants have anionic and cationic moieties on the same macromolecule and is used to remove both positively and negatively charged contaminant particles in suspensions. Amylopectin based flocculants have been found to be highly efficient flocculant and hence it has been chosen as base polysaccharide. By grafting of polyacrylamide and subsequent hydrolysis, anionic amylopectin has been synthesized. Afterwards, a cationic moiety has been inserted both by chemical/microwave processing. The flocculation efficiency of the amphoteric amylopectin has been tested in kaolin and iron ore suspensions. The results indicate its high efficiency in comparison with anionic, grafted, and base amylopectin. The amphoteric amylopectin prepared via microwave irradiation showed best flocculation efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: New generation of polymeric flocculants has been developed by optimally grafting polyacrylamide branches on purified polysaccharide backbone in authors’ laboratory. These flocculants are synergistically efficient at low doses, controlled biodegradable, shear resistant, and ecofriendly. Recently it has been observed in the authors’ laboratory that graft copolymers synthesized by microwave initiated and microwave assisted methods provide a better quality of graft copolymer with higher percentage of grafting in comparison with conventional redox grafting method. The synthesized graft copolymers were characterized by variety of material characterization techniques. The microwave assisted synthesized graft copolymers show superior flocculation characteristics when compared with graft copolymers synthesized by conventional and microwave initiated method as well as with commercially available flocculant. The details of material synthesis, mechanism, characterization and applications of these novel materials in the field of flocculation have been reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel hybrid nanocomposite has been prepared using in situ incorporation of nano-sized filler (silica) onto carboxymethyl tamarind kernel polysaccharide (CMT). Various characterizations were employed to confirm that silica nano particles have been incorporated onto the polymer matrix. Rheological characteristics reveal stronger CMT-Si interaction at 0.5 and 1wt% level. Beyond 1wt% Si concentration, the interaction is less and so there is little drop in shear viscosity. Flocculation efficiency increases with incorporation of nano filler, maximum efficacy being observed at 1wt% silica concentration. All the nanocomposites exhibited better flocculation characteristics in comparison to pure CMT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An efficient polymeric flocculant was synthesized by microwave assisted grafting of polyacrylamide to dextrin. By varying the reaction conditions, various grades of graft copolymers were synthesized to obtain the optimized one. Viscometry, elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, determination of molecular weight and radius of gyration using SLS analysis, thermal analysis and SEM analysis were employed to confirm that polyacrylamide has been grafted onto the dextrin backbone. The flocculation efficiency of the grafted products in kaolin suspension was dependent on the molecular weight, radius of gyration and length of the grafted polyacrylamide chains. The flocculant obtained by microwave assisted grafting method was superior to dextrin and polyacrylamide-based commercial flocculant (Rishfloc 226 LV) in flocculation tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Synthesis of cationic tamarind kernel polysaccharide (Cat TKP), its detailed physicochemical characterization and application as an efficient flocculant for the treatment of textile industry wastewater have been investigated. N-3-Chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) was used as a cationic reagent to introduce quaternary amine groups onto the backbone of tamarind kernel polysaccharide (TKP). Various grades were synthesized to obtain the optimized one. Effect of reaction parameters onto the degree of cationization has also been investigated. The synthesized polymers were characterized by various macromolecular characterization techniques, which confirm that cationization does take place. Afterwards, the applicability of TKP and various grades of Cat TKP''s as flocculants for the treatment of textile industry wastewater was investigated. The flocculation experiments showed that TKP alone contributes little to the flocculation. However, cationic TKP led to significant improvement as flocculant for the treatment of textile industry wastewater. The best performing Cat TKP (i.e. Cat TKP 3) was thereafter compared with a commercial flocculant, which is cationic in nature. It has been observed that Cat TKP 3 surpasses the flocculation efficiency over commercial flocculant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports the investigation of microwave initiated synthesized polyacrylamide grafted carboxymethylstarch (CMS-g-PAM) as matrix for sustained drug release. ‘In vitro’ release of a model drug (5-amino salicylic acid) from CMS-g-PAM matrix has been studied. It is evident that higher the percentage grafting, more sustained is the rate of drug release. Further, the percentage grafting vs. t 50 value (i.e. time taken for release of 50% of the enclosed drug) correlation has been successfully studied for the first time. This correlation will lead to the possibility of a programmable drug release matrix based on grafted polysaccharide. In this matrix, the rate of release of the enclosed drug can be precisely programmed simply by adjustment of percentage grafting during synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Five polysaccharides namely amylopectin, amylose, glycogen, guar gum and starch have been cationized by grafting with N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride and studied for their flocculation behaviors. Of them, cationic glycogen (Cat Gly) is found to be the best for flocculation of coal suspended sample amongst cationic polysaccharides. Cat Gly was compared with some of the commercial flocculants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The synthesis and characterization of a novel biodegradable graft copolymer based on partially hydrolyzed polymethylacrylate (PMA) grafted amylopectin (AP) was reported which was developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate solution by facile green technique. The prepared graft copolymer was biodegradable which was shown by fungal growth. Characterization of silver nanoparticles was carried out by UV–VIS spectroscopy (417 nm), HR-TEM, SAED and FESEM analysis. The TEM findings revealed that the silver nanoparticles are crystalline and globular shaped with average particle size ranging from 11 to 15 nm. The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit excellent antibacterial sensitivity towards both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria namely Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC-17802) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC-14579) respectively and were also shown a good catalytic activity towards 4-nitrophenol reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studied the application of a novel biodegradable nanocomposite based on partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide grafted xanthan gum and nanosilica (h-XG/SiO 2 ) towards efficient and rapid removal of toxic Pb 2+ ions from aqueous environment. The uptake ability of Pb 2+ using h-XG/SiO 2 has been studied in batch adsorption experiments with variation of adsorption parameters. The excellent removal rate (99.54% adsorption within 25 min) and superior adsorption capacity ( Q max = 1012.15 mg g −1 ) of the composite material have been explained on the basis of synergistic and chelating effects of h-XG/SiO 2 with Pb 2+ ion through electrostatic interactions. The kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics studies reveal that Pb 2+ adsorb rapidly on nanocomposite surface, which is in agreement with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. In consequence of excellent adsorption as well as regeneration characteristics of nanocomposite, it has been found to be a promising adsorbent towards removal of Pb 2+ ions from battery industry wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Novel carboxymethyl guar gum (CMG)-chemically modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MCNT) hybrid hydrogels were synthesized at different MCNT levels as potential device for sustained trans-dermal release of diclofenac sodium. Spectroscopy together with morphology, thermogravimetry, and rheological studies proved relatively strong CMG–MCNT interaction at 0.5 and 1wt% levels of MCNT whereas de-wetting was increased with higher MCNT concentration. Drug encapsulation tendency increased with addition of MCNT; maximum entrapment was noticed at 1wt% MCNT level. Hydrogels containing 0.5, 1 and 3wt% MCNT exhibited slower trans-dermal release than neat CMG due to slightly higher gel viscosity and more drug entrapment. Slowest but steady release was obtained from 1wt% MCNT loaded hydrogel due to highest viscous resistance among all other hybrid nanocomposites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Herein, a new hybrid nanocomposite, comprising of titania nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) and carbon dots (CDs) deposited polyvinyl imidazole crosslinked chitosan [cl-Ch-p(VI)/TiO 2 NPs-CDs] has been developed. The nanocomposite has been synthesised by in-situ deposition of TiO 2 NPs and CDs onto the surface of the copolymer under microwave irradiation. To the best of our knowledge, this in-situ approach has effectively been applied for the first time to fabricate green fluorescent CDs from sugar cane juice at moderate temperature (75 °C) under microwave irradiation. The developed nanocomposite has been characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, 13C NMR, XRD, HR-TEM, STEM and XPS analyses. The results suggest that the successful deposition of TiO 2 NPs and CDs onto the surface of crosslinked chitosan is achieved. The experimental studies indicate that the NPs/CDs-impregnated nanocomposite allows efficient photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic compounds (~98.6% degradation of 2,4-dicholorophenol, ~95.8% degradation of Reactive Blue 4, ~98.2% degradation of Reactive Red 15) in the presence of sunlight. Finally, LC-MS analysis of the resultant degraded materials reveals the formation of organic molecules with lower molecular mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A high performance anionic flocculant was synthesized by partial alkaline hydrolysis of polyacrylamide grafted tamarind kernel polysaccharide. Various macromolecular characterizations were employed to confirm that partial alkaline hydrolysis of grafted polyacrylamide chains does take place. The flocculation characteristics of the hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed grafted products were carried out in kaolin suspension and municipal sewage wastewater and it has been found that hydrolyzed product outperforms the unhydrolyzed grafted TKP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphiphilic copolymers derived from natural polymers have drawn significant interest as hydrophobic drug carriers owing to their hydrophobic core and hydrophilic exterior shell. In this context, a new amphiphilic copolymer, Alg-g-PNIPAAm, was synthesized by inserting thermoresponsive N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) on an alginate-modified macro-RAFT reagent (Alg-DSCPA) through the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique. Alg-g-PNIPAAm has shown stimuli-responsive (pH and temperature) reversible micellization behavior, which permits controlled micelle formation as well as phase separation. Dipyridamole (DP), a model hydrophobic drug, has been encapsulated on micelles via hydrophobic interactions. The drug loading was found to be ∼37 %, while the encapsulation efficiency was found to be ∼75 %. The DP-loaded micelles revealed pH- and thermoresponsive release patterns with enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the copolymer has been found to be noncytotoxic against HEK293T, HeLa and HCT116 cells lines, which enhanced its applicability in the field of drug delivery. [Display omitted] • Alginic acid-based stimuli-responsive amphiphilic copolymer has been developed. • The copolymer demonstrates reversible micellization behavior. • It is found to be non-cytotoxic and can deliver a hydrophobic drug in sustained manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Crosslinked glycogen based fluorescent gel has been synthesised. • The developed fluorescent gel is non-cytotoxic. • The synthesised gel released dual drugs in sustained manner. Biocompatible fluorescent active and pH sensitive gel has been developed using covalently attached riboflavin as proficient fluorophore on crosslinked glycogen. The chemically crosslinked glycogen (cl-Gly/PMAc) has been synthesised by grafting of methacrylic acid (MAc) followed by crosslinking using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) through free radical polymerization. Afterward, the fluorescent active hydrogel (cl-Gly/PMAc-RB) has been synthesised by post-polymerization modification of cl-Gly/PMAc with riboflavin. The gel properties have been explored by determining rheological parameters. pH responsive swelling and reversible swelling behaviours of cl-Gly/PMAc-RB have been investigated by executing swelling/deswelling/reswelling studies. In-vitro cell cytotoxicity study predicts that the material is non-toxic and biocompatible. cl-Gly/PMAc-RB gel demonstrates excellent release profile towards the release of dual drugs (metronidazole: release ∼ 75% after 24 h and ciprofloxacin: release ∼ 55% after 24 h) in colonic region, which is evidenced from in vitro and in-vivo studies. Finally, ab-initio molecular dynamics study has been carried out to investigate the intricate details of the probable drugs-hydrogel interaction and pH responsive release profile of dual drugs from cl-Gly/PMAc-RB hydrogel in molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, a novel binary graft copolymeric flocculant [St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC)] has been developed using starch, polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly (2-methacryloyloxy ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PMETAC). The copolymer has been synthesised by grafting of PAAm and PMETAC chains on starch backbone using free radical polymerization. FTIR and 1H NMR spectral analyses have been used for structural confirmation of developed copolymer. Determination of molecular weight reveals that after grafting of PAAm and PMETAC on starch, the molecular weight as well as radius of gyration have been increased as compared to pristine starch. The surface morphologies of starch and St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC) have been assessed by FESEM analysis. TGA/DTG along with MS analyser is able to track the pre-specified compounds over the entire period of degradation temperature. The synthesised graft copolymer i.e. St-g-(PAAm-co-PMETAC) demonstrates brilliant efficiency as flocculant towards the treatment of blast furnace effluent generated in integrated steel plant. Highlights • A novel polymeric flocculant has been synthesised using functionalized starch. • The graft copolymer is a useful flocculant for treatment of blast furnace effluent. • The flocculation efficacy is comparable with commercial flocculant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]