Tocopherol-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and preparation of antimicrobial PBAT/silver nanoparticles composite films

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using tocopherol (TP) as reducing and capping agents, and the AgNPs were used to prepare PBAT/AgNPs composite films. TEM results demonstrated that the AgNPs were spherical in shape with the diameter of 10-50 nm. The PBAT/AgNPs composite film exhibited plasmonic absorption peak of AgNPs at 435 nm. XRD result demonstrated the crystalline structure of AgNPs. SEM test results showed that the surface of PBAT/AgNPs nanocomposite film was rougher than PBAT or PBAT/TP films. Apparent surface color and transmittance of PBAT films were changed significantly by the addition of AgNPs. Chemical structure and thermal stability of PBAT films were not changed significantly, however, the tensile strength, water contact angle, and water vapor permeability of the composite films were increased significantly after incorporation of AgNPs. The PBAT/AgNPs nanocomposite films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The developed films have a high potential for being used as UV-screening and antimicrobial packaging films.