Development and analysis of cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using tamarind nut powder as a reducing agent

Cellulose/Tamarind nut powder (TNP)/Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ generation of AgNPs using regeneration method, followed by solution casting method. In this, TNP was used as a reducing agent. These nanocomposites were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM and studied their mechanical properties and antibacterial activity for medical and packing applications. The FT-IR spectral studies revealed the involvement of functional groups – Polyphenols, Flavonoids and –OH in the process of reducing the metal salts into metal nanoparticles. These nanocomposites showed good antibacterial activity against five bacteria. Improved mechanical properties with good antibacterial activities make these composites suitable for medical, food and packaging applications.