Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated PVA-MC Blends: A Systematic Approach To Understand Its Properties For Food Packaging Applications

Hither-to-unknown one-pot method for the synthesis and
stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate
(AgNO3) through uncross-linked and cross-linked polyvinyl
alcohol/methyl cellulose (PVA/MC) blend using solution casting
method is discussed in detail. The formed films were charac-
terized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),
scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and analyzed for its physical, mechanical, biodegradable
and antibacterial properties (particle size, water vapour trans-
mission rate, water contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA), UV-Vis spectroscopy and migration). SEM and TEM results indicated that the formation of silver nanoparticles are spherical
in shape as well as nano in size. FTIR spectroscopic analysis
indicates the existence of hydrogen bonds in cross-linked blend
and complex of silver (Ag) in uncross-linked blend. Further,
enhanced mechanical, water barrier, and thermal properties are
observed for the films containing AgNPs. Antibacterial test by
disc diffusion method showed that, uncross-linked and cross-
linked blend with AgNPs have more inhibition (mm) against L.
Monocytogenes (10.33), Klebsiella (9.67) (Gram-positive) and
Salmonella (9.33), E. Coli (8.33) (Gram-negative) strains respec-
tively. Migration studies demonstrated that the developed films
could be suitable for fatty food packaging.