Silver Nanoparticles/Skim Natural Rubber/Bacterial Cellulose Biopolymer Film

Abstract

The accumulation of non-degradable wastes is a significant threat to ecosystems and living organisms, necessitating urgent action to mitigate their environmental impact. This paper presents the synthesis and fabrication of green and biodegradable composite films with antimicrobial properties from silver nanoparticles, skim natural rubber (SNR), and bacterial cellulose (BC). BC was cultivated using organic agricultural waste and then was modified through immersion in silver nanoparticles synthesized within SNR latex. Characterizations of BC-SNR-Ag biopolymeric composites such as silver nanoparticle dispersion, mechanical strength, thermal stability, water absorption capacity and antibacterial properties were investigated. The results showed that the concentration of silver nitrate influenced the production and the diffusion of silver particles into the BC matrix. Furthermore, compared to pure BC film, the inclusion of SNR and silver nanoparticles significantly enhanced the properties of the composites in terms of flexibility and antibacterial properties.