Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using chamomile extract for xanthan/ agar and bacterial nanocellulose antimicrobial nanobiocomposite

Food packaging composed of natural and edible materials is gaining popularity because it can address the major environmental problems that traditional synthetic packaging that isn't biodegradable materials cause. The current study takes into account the creation of an effective procedure for the environmentally friendly manufacture of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by chamomile extract as green synthesis in xanthan gum (XG)-based biopolymer packaging along with agar gum (AG) and nanocellulose (NC). Specific synthesis conditions included the preparation of silver nitrate (AgNo₃) solutions with concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2 mM, followed by the addition of chamomile extract to initiate nanoparticle formation. The physico-mechanical, barrier, color, SEM, FTIR, TEM, XRD and antibacterial properties of biodegradable films were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of AgNPs to the XG matrix improved the surface morphology of the films. Also, the characteristics of FTIR and XRD results were improved. Moreover, the complex of NC and AgNPs improved the mechanical properties (TS: 2.67 ± 0.6 (MPa) and EAT: 1.42 ± 0.5 (%)) and water vapor permeability of the films. The antimicrobial activity of XG/ AG film containing AgNPs and NC complex indicated that they are able to control the growth of E. coli (10 ± 0.6 mm) and S. aureus (8 ± 0.3 mm) bacteria. The results of the active film containing AgNPs produced by chamomile extract as green synthesis showed the high potential of the produced film for use in food packaging to increase the shelf life of food.