Characterization of Agar-CMC/Ag-MMT nanocomposite and evaluation of antibacterial and mechanical properties for packaging applications

The effect of silver modified montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) on the physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of agar-carboxymethyl cellulose (agar-CMC) bionanocomposites film, prepared by a solution intercalation method were investigated. The nanocomposite of agar and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with Ag-MMT (based on Indigenous clay) has a promise in designing eco-friendly antibacterial packaging. The films were tested for transmittance, tensile and X-ray diffraction patterns which indicated that Ag-MMT the most compatible with Agar-CMC matrix. The Agar-CMC/Ag-MMT bio-nanocomposite films exhibited a great antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Overall, it is seen that the Agar-CMC/Ag-MMT bionanocomposite films could be used as packaging material for food preservation by controlling foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria.