Mechanical and antimicrobial properties of multilayer films with a polyethylene/silver nanocomposite layer

Abstract

A layer of a polyethylene-silver nanoparticles composite was deposited on a five layer barrier film structure. Different methods were used for the nanocomposite layer deposition: laminating, casting, and spraying over the multilayer structure. For the casting and spraying methods, the silver nanoparticles were previously dispersed in the polymer solution, with the assistance of ultrasound energy. The effect of silver nanoparticles and deposition method on the barrier, mechanical, and optical properties of the multilayer films was evaluated. The efficiency of silver ion release from the PE-Silver nanocomposite deposited on the multilayer films and their antimicrobial characteristics were investigated and discussed. The silver ion release and biocide effect of the multilayer films was found to be dependant on the silver nanoparticle content and on the deposition method used. The observed results could be helpful in the design of industrial films for packaging.

Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and food safety: Barrier materials, antimicrobials and sensors

“…Since the earliest published reports of the antimicrobial properties of silver colloids, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been found to be potent agents against numerous species of bacteria, including: E. coli [211][212][213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220][221][222][223][224][225][226][227][228][229], Enterococcus faecalis [214,222,229], Staphylococcus (aureus [214,220,222,223,225,226,228,229] and epidermidis [214,222]), Vibrio cholerae [213,220], Pseudomonas (aeruginosa [213,214,222], putida [230], fluorescens [229,231] and oleovorans [232]), Shigella flexneri [220], Bacillus (anthracis [223], subtilis [219] and cereus [229]), Proteus mirabilis [223]…”

“…Sanchez-Valdes et al, for example, coated a five layer (PE/ tie/PA-6/tie/PE; PA-6 = polyamide six and tie = maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) plastic film with an AgNP/polyethylene nanocomposite layer and found antimicrobial activity against the fungus A. niger, a common food contaminant [232]. Sanchez-Valdes et al, for example, coated a five layer (PE/ tie/PA-6/tie/PE; PA-6 = polyamide six and tie = maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) plastic film with an AgNP/polyethylene nanocomposite layer and found antimicrobial activity against the fungus A. niger, a common food contaminant [232].…”

Silver migration from nanosilver and a commercially available zeolite filler polyethylene composites to food simulants

“…Fillers are entities that are added to conventional food packaging materials, usually in low percentages, enhancing the performance of the original material. The incorporation of an antimicrobial filler into a polyethylene matrix can result in a stable antimicrobial composite which either kills microbes present or inhibits the growth of existing colonies on the surfaces of the packaged foods (Sánchez-Valdes et al 2009;O'Brien & Cummins 2011). Antimicrobial packaging is made by incorporating an antimicrobial entity, or a suite of complementary antimicrobials, into a food packaging matrix during film casting.…”

<span>A study on properties of polymeric films incorporated with silver-coatedTiO₂ nano particles</span>

“…In addition TiO2 is often used as a catalytic support because it is a semiconductor with great optical, electrical and photosensitive for its outstanding photo-induced oxidation and reduction characteristics [10]. Silver has been used as an additive in various polymers and also Some silver-containing fillers commercially available, such as zirconium phosphate or titanium dioxide, as well as some zeolites have been used as silver carriers [12]. Thus, silver nanocomposites (polymer composites containing silver nanoparticles) have attracted significant interest in the medical industry, applied microbiology, active food packaging ,photo activity of semiconductor and photo catalysis antibacterial activity [10,13].…”