Influence of Nigella sativa L. Extract on Physico‒Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of Sago Starch Film

In this study, some physical and mechanical properties as well as antibacterial activity of sago starch films incorporated with methanol extract from Nigella sativa L. seeds (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10%) were investigated. The results showed that increasing concentration of the extract caused significant (P < 0.05) increment in thickness (0.06‒0.12 mm), moisture content (8.72‒11.19%, wet basis), water solubility (21.31‒25.62%), water absorption capacity (1.98‒3.45 g water/g dry film), and water vapor permeability (1.63 × 10− 11‒2.59 × 10− 11 g/m.s.Pa) of the films. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus changed in the range of 4.27‒6.43 MPa and 80.19‒118.55 MPa, respectively. Compared to the control, the composite films represented more flexibility and the elasticity was continually enhanced with increasing percentage of the extract. The films represented good antimicrobial activity against both the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria presumably due to phenolic compounds of the extract.