Development of polyvinyl (alcohol)/D-glucose/agar/silver nanoparticles nanocomposite film as potential food packaging material

The functional nanocomposite films from polyvinyl (alcohol) (PVA), D-glucose, agar, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) components were synthesized through the facile casting method. Results from the evaluation of antimicrobial activity and composite film properties showed that the combination of PVA/D-glucose/agar with AgNPs significantly enhanced bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as mechanical property. Furthermore, the coating from the combination of PVA/D-glucose/agar with AgNPs was also applied in Areca banana preservation for 7 days at 25 ℃. Appearance, physiological weight loss, total soluble sugars, and titratable acidity were daily evaluated during storage period. The obtained results of this study show the promising potential of PVA/D-glucose/agar nanocomposite film incorporated with AgNPs for food packaging applications in the near future.