Antibacterial efficacy of poly (vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles for packaging applications

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health and food security. Attributable to the heightening occurrence and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, the development of antimicrobial packaging has emerged as a promising technology. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a water-soluble synthetic polymer is contemplated as a promising biocompatible, biodegradable, and low cytotoxic material for various medical, industrial, and commercial applications. To stretch its applications, the polymer material was doped with graphene oxide (GO) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag). In this study, an eco-friendly, facile, one-step chemical reduction route was employed for the synthesis of nanocomposites by an Ag nanoparticle anchored on GO nanoparticle. The polymer nanocomposite thin film was prepared by solution casting technique. Homogeneity of dispersion and surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope investigation. The inclusion of GO-Ag nanocomposite in the polymer matrix increases the roughness of the film confirmed by atomic force microscopy analysis. The increment in properties was attributable to excellent H bonding between PVA and GO wherein molecules are strongly intercalated with each other. The tensile strength, as well as thermal stability of the PVA/GO/Ag thin films, was significantly enhanced on the incorporation of GO/Ag nanoparticles confirmed by TGA analysis. PVA/GO/Ag nanocomposites exhibited effective antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In contrast, no inhibition around pristine PVA was observed. The prepared films proffered an effective antibacterial activity against contagious microorganisms that qualify them for food packaging and different biomedical applications.