Nano-biocomposite films with modified cellulose nanocrystals and synthesized silver nanoparticles

Carbohydr Polym. 2014 Jan 30:101:1122-33. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.10.055. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

Ternary nano-biocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with modified cellulose nanocrystals (s-CNC) and synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag) have been prepared and characterized. The functionalization of the CNC surface with an acid phosphate ester of ethoxylated nonylphenol favoured its dispersion in the PLA matrix. The positive effects of the addition of cellulose and silver on the PLA barrier properties were confirmed by reductions in the water permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the films tested. The migration level of all nano-biocomposites in contact with food simulants were below the permitted limits in both non-polar and polar simulants. PLA nano-biocomposites showed a significant antibacterial activity influenced by the Ag content, while composting tests showed that the materials were visibly disintegrated after 15 days with the ternary systems showing the highest rate of disintegration under composting conditions.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Barrier properties; Cellulose nanocrystals; Migration properties; Nano-biocomposites; Silver nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Cellulose / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Food Packaging
  • Kinetics
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Lactic Acid
  • Silver
  • poly(lactide)
  • Cellulose