Abstract

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles aims to synergistically bind bactericidal properties of the element with the chemical composition of plant extracts and potentially use them in biodegradable plastic substitute materials. In this work, a degradable gelatin film was prepared with silver nanoparticles synthesized with aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum); the nanoparticles were previously characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, electron scanning microscopy and electron transmission microscopy. To make the film, pure gelatin, gelatin - carboxymethylcellulose - glycerol, and gelatin - arabic gum mixtures were tested, obtaining the desired texture only with gelatin, at different concentrations. The film with the greatest flexibility was 10% gelatin, with puncture resistance of 47 N and density of 0.943 g/mL. This film was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, finding modifications of the spectrum dependent on the presence of silver nanoparticles-garlic extract. The electron scanning microscopy revealed a uniform distribution of silver in the film (74.4nm) with an abundance of 56.20% and a concentration of 1.58 mg/g determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Finally, the prepared gelatin film is resistant, amber colored, with possible bactericidal properties due to the presence of silver nanoparticles and easily degradable at 50°C in water.

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