# Plasma-induced modification of fenugreek galactomannan thickener film via dielectric barrier discharge for textile printing

## TL;DR

This paper explores using cold plasma to improve the extraction of galactomannan from fenugreek seeds for use in eco-friendly textile printing.

## Contribution

The novel use of dielectric barrier discharge plasma as a pretreatment for enhancing galactomannan extraction from fenugreek seeds.

## Key findings

- Plasma treatment improved galactomannan extraction yields and reduced processing time.
- Treated galactomannan films showed favorable rheological properties for textile printing.
- The plasma-modified galactomannan exhibited antibacterial activity.

## Abstract

Fenugreek seeds are a valuable source of galactomannan, a natural thickener with applications in textile printing. However, traditional galactomannan extraction methods often suffer from lengthy processing times and limited yields. To address these limitations, the use of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) atmospheric cold plasma was applied as a pretreatment method. Dried fenugreek seeds were subjected to air and oxygen gas plasma treatments at various discharge powers and exposure durations. Subsequently, galactomannan was extracted and formed into films (membranes) for characterization. Additionally, the rheological properties of the galactomannan solutions were investigated to assess their potential as eco-friendly thickening agents in textile printing pastes. The antibacterial activity of the treated galactomannan was also investigated.