*Article* **Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Bio-Composite from Fenugreek as a Natural Resource**

**Nayem Hossain <sup>1</sup> , Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury 2,\* , Tauhidul Islam Noman 2, Md. Masud Rana 2, Md. Hasan Ali 2, Raja Saad Alruwais 3, Md. Shafiul Alam 2, Khalid A. Alamry 4, Mahmood D. Aljabri 5,\* and Mohammed M. Rahman 4,6,\***


**Abstract:** The present study show the usability of starch (tamarind) based-bio-composite film reinforced by fenugreek by various percentages to replace the traditional petrochemical plastics. The prepared bio-composite films were systematically characterized using the universal testing machine (UTM), soil degradation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and antibacterial tests. The experiments showed that a lower percentage of fenugreek improves biodegradation and mechanical strength. More than 60% of biodegradation occurred in only 30 days. Almost 3 N/mm<sup>2</sup> tensile strength and 6.5% tensile strain were obtained. The presence of micropores confirmed by SEM images may accelerate the biodegradation process. Antibacterial activity was observed with two samples of synthesized bio-composite, due to photoactive compounds confirmed by FTIR spectra. The glass transition temperature was shown to be higher than the room temperature, with the help of thermal analysis. The prepared bio-composite containing 5% and 10% fenugreek showed antibacterial activities.

**Keywords:** starch bio-composite; environmental concern; natural resource; biodegradability; antimicrobial activity
