Biogenic silver nanoparticle-coated low density polyethylene film with antibacterial and antioxidant properties

Abstract

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using banana (Musa spp.) peel extract as the reducing agent. The biosynthesized particles were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were then evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative cocci bacteria through agar diffusion study and minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration was determined. Low density polyethylene film was coated with the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles following the dip coating method. The nanoparticle incorporated polymer films were then evaluated for antibacterial and antioxidant activity by agar diffusion studies, dynamic shake flask studies and 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical scavenging assay, respectively. The surface characterization of the prepared films was also performed to ensure the presence of silver nanoparticle coating.