LAUSR

Acacia nilotica is one of the major gum-yielding acacia species found in the Indian subcontinent but has not studied extensively as compared to the commercial gum acacia (Acacia senegal). The present study aimed to analyses the physical, functional, morphological, and thermal properties of Acacia nilotica gum. Physical analyses show that Acacia nilotica gum is a free-flowing powder with 33% porosity. According to an X-ray diffraction analyzer, Acacia nilotica gum consists of both amorphous and crystalline nature powder (96.2%, 3.8%, respectively). The mineral analysis showed that Ca, K, P, Mg, and Na were the major minerals present in Acacia nilotica gum. The mean molecular weight of a major fraction of Acacia nilotica gum is 0.99 × 105 Da. The surface tension reduction was more considerable for commercial gum acacia than Acacia nilotica gum at all concentrations. Acacia nilotica gum shows weak emulsion capacity (24.7% ESI of 3% gum solution after 7 days) than the commercial gum acacia (47% ESI of 3% gum solution after 7 days). The film made using Acacia nilotica gum shows less elongation (30%) than the film made using commercial gum acacia (36%). The obtained results help in understanding the behaviour of Acacia nilotica gum and to know its role in different food and pharmaceutical applications.