Biotransformation of banana peel waste into bacterial nanocellulose and its modification for active antimicrobial packaging using polyvinyl alcohol with in-situ generated silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The present study explored the banana peel waste extract (E-BPW) as economic BNC production using a static intermittent fed-batch (SIFB) strategy, which supported about 9.24 ± 0.31 g L−1 with HS medium. BNC matrix was further loaded with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and silver nitrate by simple immersion and analyzed for suitable capacity for an antimicrobial active packaging system. Using coconut shell extract as a reducing agent, a green route was exercised for the in-situ generation of AgNPs inside the BNC and PVOH matrix. The parameters’ level and effect were studied statistically using a complete factorial design. PVOH-incorporated BNC matrix improved mechanical behavior while moisture content and WVTR decreased. The BNC/PVOH/AgNPs films exhibited maximum inhibition zone widths of approximately 17 ± 0.5 mm against E. coli and 14 ± 0.0 mm against S. aureus. Investigation of pure BNC, BNC/PVOH/AgNPs bionanocomposite films was done by using advanced analytical techniques. Bionanocomposite films also showed excellent mechanical strength, thermal properties, and sensory evaluation results due to the reinforcing effect of PVOH and AgNPs on the BNC matrix. Overall, the present findings supported the use of EBPW for BNC production and the possibility of PVOH/BNC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films as an active antimicrobial packaging system.