Novel silver-modified carboxymethyl chitosan antibacterial membranes using environment-friendly polymers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Food Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Foodborne bacterial contamination poses significant health risks.
• Conventional food packaging contributes to environmental pollution through waste.
• Need for sustainable and effective antibacterial food packaging solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel biodegradable antibacterial membranes.
• To utilize silver-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (Ag-CMCS) with polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT).
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and environmental friendliness of the prepared membranes.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of Ag-CMCS/PLA/PBAT composite membranes.
• Characterization using SEM, EDS, AFM, XPS, and water contact angle measurements.
• Antibacterial activity assessment via zone of inhibition tests and bacterial kill efficiency.

Main Results:

• Successful preparation of biodegradable antibacterial membranes.
• Confirmation of metallic silver presence on the membrane surface.
• Significant antibacterial activity with a 17 mm inhibition zone in the first cycle.
• Sustained antibacterial efficacy over 7 cycles with negligible silver release.
• Effective bacterial eradication (nearly 100%) under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed Ag-CMCS-based membranes are effective and eco-friendly antibacterial food packaging solutions.
• This research offers innovative approaches for sustainable food packaging.
• The membranes provide enhanced food safety while minimizing environmental pollution.